San Diego Zoo

Satu, ‘Much-Loved' Orangutan at the San Diego Zoo, Dies at 26

Satu was born at the zoo in 1995. He sired two offspring, a male named Cinta and a female named Aisha

A makeshift memorial at the San Diego Zoo for Satu
Rosemary Bystrak

Satu, a male orangutan at the San Diego Zoo,died on Wednesday. He was 26.

The zoo announced Satu's death on social media on Thursday, saying the orangutan's cause of death is likely to be related to cancer.

A shot of Satu captured by Rosemary Bystrak

Satu had been under veterinary care for serious illness, the zoo said, but collapsed and was unable to be resuscitated.

The zoo called Satu a “much-loved ape” and “charismatic primate.” Other details were not immediately available.

Satu was born at the zoo in 1995. He sired two offspring, a male named Cinta and a female named Aisha.

Another shot of Satu
Rosemary Bystrak
Another shot of Satu by Rosemary Bystrak

“Satu was known to be patient, curious, engaging and sensitive. He will be greatly missed by the wildlife care specialists, medical team, volunteers, and guests alike,” the zoo said in a statement.

Bruno, a male orangutan at the Los Angeles Zoo, died earlier this month at 42. Native to the jungles of Indonesia and Malaysia, there are three species of orangutans, all of which are critically endangered.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us