SEATTLE, Wash. — Woodland Park Zoo’s oldest orangutan has died, zoo officials report. He was 48-years-old.
The 257-pound orangutan died during a veterinary examination.
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He was North America’s oldest orangutan born in a zoo.
Zoo officials had planned to take a closer look at some recent respiratory problems during the orangutan's examination.
"There were serious concerns for a significant health risk due to his age, chronic renal insufficiency and progressive respiratory symptoms," said Dr. Darin Collins, Woodland Park Zoo's director of animal health. . "Unfortunately, he passed away at the start of the exam."
The geriatric orangutan had been on a prescribed program of antibiotics and multiple other treatments, and had been under close observation.
The median life expectancy for orangutans is 28 years, zoo officials say.
Towan and his twin sister, Chinta, were born at Woodland Park Zoo in 1968. They were the first twin orangutans born in a zoo, becoming instant celebrities.
Photos of the pair were shared around the globe, including an appearance in "Life" magazine.
The zoo’s animal health team will perform a necropsy. The cause of death will be pending final tests, due to be completed in several weeks.
A statement was released by the zoo's Mammal Curator, Martin Ramirez.
"It was easy to be drawn to his eyes and be riveted by his mighty physique and graceful dexterity," Ramirez wrote in a press release Thursday. His passing is a deep loss for our zoo family and those who came to love and admire him as we have. As much as we regretted this day would come, he led a wonderful life, thanks to his team of dedicated keepers and animal health staff."