Alanna Gillis

Opinions Editor 

amg7393@psu

Beloved Erie Zoo primate, Joe the Orangutan, has fallen ill and tragically died, the zoo reports. Zoo staff noticed that the 36-year-old orangutan had lacked energy and appetite since March 5, and did not respond to traditional medicines or treatments. He had been cooperating with veterinarians and zoo care staff during testing, and had regained a small amount of his appetite. 

The orangutan was put under anesthesia to run diagnostic tests after traditional medicines proved ineffective. Zoo care staff continued to perform regular evaluations in hopes of finding a treatable diagnosis. 

As of March 18, Joe’s condition had been improving. According to a statement released from the zoo, “Our team is performing regular evaluations while we work with a team of orangutan specialists to schedule the next steps in the diagnostic process.” 

The zoo will not have an official prognosis for the orangutan’s condition until Thursday March 17. Until then, all the orangutans were not on exhibit, stated Erie Zoo marketing and events coordinator Emily Smicker. “Our focus is entirely on Joe’s health and the well-being of the orangutan family, and until Joe is improving, they will not be on exhibit,” she said.

The March 17 cardiovascular test showed that Joe was presenting symptoms of heart failure. The zoo started him on medication to manage his condition, but by Saturday he was showing increased signs of lethargy and labored breathing. 

Joe tragically passed away later that day. CEO of the Erie Zoo, Roo Kojancie, released the following statement detailing the zoo’s sadness over the event, “This is a truly sad day for the Erie Community and we are all heartbroken over the loss of Joe. Joe has been a beloved member of the Erie Zoo family since 2002. He has touched the hearts of so many visitors, volunteers, and staff over the years. His absence is going to leave a hole in our hearts. I’m proud of our exceptional veterinary and animal care teams who dedicated themselves to leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of Joe’s health.”

The zoo worked with The Association of Zoos and Aquariums, specifically the Orangutan Species Survival Plan division, while determining what was impacting Joe’s health. In the hopes of helping other primates of Joe’s critically endangered Bornean Orangutan species, the Erie Zoo will share all of their diagnostic notes with the association, as well as the Great Ape Heart Project

The other orangutans, who shared the exhibit with Joe, are healthy and comfortable, the Zoo reports.