Houston Zoo’s Male Orangutan Pumpkin Dies

We are mourning the death of 34-year-old, Bornean orangutan Pumpkin. This morning, he passed away due to heart failure.

While Pumpkin came to live at the Houston Zoo a little under three years ago, he endeared himself to our community very quickly and was much beloved by his keepers, volunteers and guests. He will be remembered as an incredibly sweet, smart, and inquisitive orangutan who was great with his keepers and other orangutans.

Pumpkin had a known heart condition that has been under treatment by his veterinarians in partnership with local specialists. Cardiac disease is a known problem for great apes, like orangutans, and the Houston Zoo has been working with the Great Ape Heart Project for many years to help study this matter.

Bornean orangutans are one of the most endangered apes in the world due to deforestation devastating their wild habitats. The Houston Zoo is helping orangutans in the wild by restoring their forested homes in Borneo. Texans can help protect orangutans in the wild by simply visiting the Houston Zoo. A portion of every ticket to the Houston Zoo goes to help save animals in the wild.