Mourning the Loss of Beloved Orangutan Cheyenne

On Sunday morning, the Houston Zoo said goodbye to 52-year-old orangutan, Cheyenne. She underwent an emergency veterinary examination on Sunday morning to help diagnose and treat a sudden illness. During the exam, evidence of a severe kidney infection was found, and she received initial treatment. However, she died unexpectedly during recovery from the exam. Cheyenne was an integral member of the Houston Zoo family for nearly three decades, arriving at the age of 21 and quickly capturing the hearts of staff and visitors.

Cheyenne was a remarkable individual. She was a smart and strong-willed orangutan. While she was the oldest orangutan at the Houston Zoo, she was probably the youngest at heart. Cheyenne was an incredible foster mom to several young orangutans, including the Zoo’s very own Aurora, and her maternal instincts made her an important part of the Species Survival Plan® (SSP) program. Combined with her incredible maternal patience, she was intelligent and determined, which enabled her to figure out even the most complicated enrichment or task. Sometimes this included dismantling the furniture in her habitat, though she was happy to trade for treats. Cheyenne will be missed by the entire Zoo family.

Prior to Cheyenne’s passing, she and Aurora were introduced to our male orangutan Takai last month. Guests will be able to see Takai and Aurora in their habitat together.

Orangutans are an endangered species primarily found in rainforests in Borneo and Sumatra. Habitat loss, palm oil plantation expansions, and pet trade are their main threats in the wild. Guests can help save wild orangutans by visiting the Zoo. A portion of each Zoo membership and admission goes toward supporting the Zoo’s conservation partners, Hutan. The Zoo provides salaries, equipment, and support for local communities in Borneo to replant thousands of trees for orangutans to thrive.