Bornean orang‐utans Pongo pygmaeus sspp and Sumatran orang‐utans Pongo abelii are Critically Endangered species, in rapid decline throughout their ranges in Indonesia and Malaysia. Although substantial populations are well documented in Western zoos, comparatively little is known about those in the East, despite their endemism to the region. Here, the status and distribution of orang‐utans in Asian zoological institutions are outlined, accounting for 466 orang‐utans at 77 institutions in 13 geographic locations. These comprise c. 41% of the total known global zoo population. Based on their combined experiences in the region, the authors then elucidate the challenges facing Asian zoos in their efforts to manage these species. Rather than focusing on the shortcomings, we instead choose to detail achievements to date. We conclude that a paucity of international attention does not constitute concomitant lack of progress: on the contrary, zoo professionals in Asian zoos have made significant advances in orang‐utan care and – in terms of population management – are already on the precipice of world‐leading standards that are soon expected to far outpace those of the West. Asian zoos have a significant role to play in orang‐utan conservation, and their successes warrant international recognition and support.
Keeping records of individual wild animals managed by zoos and aquariums is an essential component of population management, not only on the institutional scale but also to ensure long‐term health and viability of species populations regionally and globally. There are long‐established studbooks for Bornean orangutan Pongo pygmaeus, Sumatran orangutan Pongo abelii, Bonobo Pan paniscus, Chimpanzee Pan troglodytes sspp and Western lowland gorilla Gorilla gorilla gorilla. National and regional zoo and aquarium associations manage these population records through a variety of conservation programmes, ensuring the data are available for those working to conserve great apes and their habitats. This report presents updates for the great ape managed conservation programmes, with specific data provided for the 2016 global zoo populations.
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