Orang‐utans Pongo spp in Asian zoos: current status, challenges and progress towards long‐term population sustainability

Abstract

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.

Hybrid apes in the Anthropocene: Burden or asset for conservation?

“…In Europe, EAZA maintains that because zoos have been 'mixing' subspecies for a long time, there is little chance of unravelling admixtures (Bemment, 2018). Across Asia, no consistent management plan exists, not least because a 2018 study found that 14% of zoo-kept orangutans were of completely unknown origin, while the assigned provenance of another 7% is questionable due to an unreliable test (Banes et al, 2018). Thus, captive hybrid apes, like other 'unloved' subjects of conservation, often have their welfare compromised for the sake of the population.…”

Short Communication: Examining taxa representation in Asian zoos and aquaria using historic records

“…Many of the zoos and aquariums in Asia are surrounded by regions of exceptionally high biodiversity: biodiversity hotspots (Le Roux et al 2019). Many of the species arriving in zoological collections are the result of confiscations of animals (Banes et al 2018). Species include great apes (Banes et al 2018), gibbons, turtles, and tortoises (Rivera et al 2021).…”

“…Many of the species arriving in zoological collections are the result of confiscations of animals (Banes et al 2018). Species include great apes (Banes et al 2018), gibbons, turtles, and tortoises (Rivera et al 2021). The accession of great numbers of new animals places pressure on zoological facilities in terms of space, resources, and staffing.…”

“…Differences in culture, and also as a result of confiscations, may have a considerable impact on the species housed in Asian zoos (Banes et al 2018). If zoos are taking in largely confiscated animals, the collection plans may actually reflect the types of species that are most commonly being taken as pets (Rivera et al 2021).…”

Genomic targets for high-resolution inference of kinship, ancestry and disease susceptibility in orang-utans (genus: Pongo)

“…In contrast, ex-situ orang-utans in zoos might serve as model populations for studying the effects of human intervention. Approximately 1100 orang-utans live in zoos worldwide, although numbers are probably higher in developing nations and in range countries [ 12 ]. Zoo populations of orang-utans are known to be highly admixed.…”