PORTLAND
The Oregon Zoo on Saturday said goodbye to its oldest resident, Sumatran orangutan Inji, who at 61 years old was thought to be the oldest orangutan in the world.
âWe knew she couldnât live forever, but this really hurts, and I know many visitors are grieving along with us,â said Bob Lee, who oversees the zooâs animal areas. âInjiâs ability to connect with people was incredible. She inspired generations.â
Lee recalled the way Inji would amble over to the windows of her habitat, curious to see what was inside peopleâs handbags, purses and backpacks.
âSome volunteers, staff and guests would make a point to carry wind-up toys or brightly colored items in their bags just to show Inji,â Lee said. âShe remained active and inquisitive all through her golden years. She seemed to study humans and enjoy watching them, especially children.â
Jan 12, 2021 04:41 AM EST
A 61-year-old female Sumatran Orangutan named Inji has been humanely put to rest by Oregon Zoo officials on Sunday, January 10, 2021. According to Bob Lee, one of them in charge of overseeing the animals, it was hard to make the decision, but it was necessary.
(Photo : From Instagram: Oregon Zoo) Inji the Orangutan
The park had to euthanize Inji to put her out of her suffering as her health has been slowly deteriorating due to old age. She was suffering, and they had to put the orangutan out of her misery.
It left the entire Oregon Zee in mourning for the loss of their beloved Sumatran Orangutan.
Jan 11, 2021
The Oregon Zoo Saturday said goodbye to its oldest resident, Sumatran orangutan Inji, who at 61 years old was thought to be the oldest orangutan in the world.
“We knew she couldn’t live forever, but this really hurts, and I know many visitors are grieving along with us,” said Bob Lee, who oversees the zoo’s animal areas. “Inji’s ability to connect with people was incredible. She inspired generations.”
Lee recalled the way Inji would amble over to the windows of her habitat, curious to see what was inside people’s handbags, purses and backpacks.
“Some volunteers, staff and guests would make a point to carry wind-up toys or brightly colored items in their bags just to show Inji,” Lee said. “She remained active and inquisitive all through her golden years. She seemed to study humans and enjoy watching them, especially children.”
Jan 11, 2021
The Oregon Zoo Saturday said goodbye to its oldest resident, Sumatran orangutan Inji, who at 61 years old was thought to be the oldest orangutan in the world.
“We knew she couldn’t live forever, but this really hurts, and I know many visitors are grieving along with us,” said Bob Lee, who oversees the zoo’s animal areas. “Inji’s ability to connect with people was incredible. She inspired generations.”
Lee recalled the way Inji would amble over to the windows of her habitat, curious to see what was inside people’s handbags, purses and backpacks.
“Some volunteers, staff and guests would make a point to carry wind-up toys or brightly colored items in their bags just to show Inji,” Lee said. “She remained active and inquisitive all through her golden years. She seemed to study humans and enjoy watching them, especially children.”