Como Zoo Orangutan Jambu Dead At 40, Remembered As Strong And Sweet

ST. PAUL, MN — Jambu, a 40-year-old Sumatran orangutan who lived at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory for over three decades, died Thursday, according to the zoo.

He was humanely euthanized after behavior changes led his care team to seek advanced diagnostics, which revealed masses on his liver and clinical signs associated with cancer, according to the zoo, which noted early necropsy results showed more masses in his intestines and colon.

Jambu, who lived with his longtime companion, Markisa, and fathered three offspring, was a uniquely attentive father, according to the zoo.

“He always wanted to engage with his babies but waited for mom to tell him it was okay,” Como primate zookeeper Megan Elder said in a post on the zoo’s website. “He was gentle, tolerant, and a wonderful playmate as they grew.”

A skilled weaver, he taught his daughter, Kemala, to thread fabric through the mesh of their enclosure, according to the zoo, which noted he loved fruit, blankets, and receiving manicures and pedicures from his zookeepers.

Elder, who cared for Jambu for 23 years, described him as “strong, handsome, yet silly and sweet natured. He was a protector. Every day he would announce himself with his long call and it was incredible to hear.”

He exceeded the median life expectancy for male Sumatran orangutans by over a decade, according to the zoo, which noted the animals are a critically endangered species.

Markisa and Kemala are receiving extra support in the wake of his death, according to the zoo.