Internationally loved orangutan, 32, euthanized after years at Denver Zoo

DENVER (KDVR) — A beloved and internationally known 32-year-old Sumatran orangutan was humanely euthanized surrounded by the people who loved him most at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance on Monday.

In 2024, Berani was diagnosed with kidney disease, which progressed to late-stage kidney failure earlier this year, meaning his organs could no longer function on their own, the zoo said.

Recent bloodwork showed that he had entered end-stage kidney failure, with a noticeable decline in health and quality of life. So the zoo’s Animal Care and Health teams decided to humanely euthanize him to prevent any suffering, the zoo announced Tuesday.

Caregivers said that Berani taught them a lot about orangutan behavior and redefined what is known about parental care in orangutans. On top of being a dedicated father, caregivers said he was playful, silly, curious and generous. He would bring branches inside to fish things off of shelves, whistle to get people’s attention, use combs to make music, give gifts, paint walls and play with the hose.

The zoo said its staff is “heartbroken” about the loss, but noted that he will live on through his two daughters and by contributing to scientific knowledge that will support conservation efforts worldwide.

A postmortem exam will help scientists to understand Berani’s condition and contribute to the broader scientific knowledge of orangutan care and conservation. The zoo said its teams and specialists across the country will use this opportunity “to learn more about kidney disease, a common disease for great apes, in the hopes of helping other orangutans facing similar challenges.”

Berani showed “remarkable” trust in his caregivers, voluntarily participating in health care like blood draws, so caretakers could track his kidney values.

“Our Animal Care and Health teams worked tirelessly to adjust treatments and ensure his comfort each day, ensuring his final chapter was filled with comfort, dignity and love,” the zoo wrote in a post on Facebook.

Berani came to Denver from Audubon Nature Institute in 2017 on a survival plan and breeding recommendation.

“While he quickly became a beloved member of our animal family, he also became an international sensation who captured hearts around the world with his remarkable caregiving instincts and caring personality,” the zoo said.

His mate Nias died unexpectedly in 2020, and he stepped in to raise their daughter Cerah, which is a rare behavior for male orangutans. The zoo said his “unwavering devotion” became an international story of compassion and resilience.

The zoo is working with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan to make sure that the orangutan family gets the support and care they need as they adjust to life without Berani.