WASHINGTON – The National Zoo’s orangutans turned into party animals during their birthday celebration Tuesday.
The zoo hosted a birthday party for three of the six orangutans. Kyle and Batang celebrated 17 years on Dec. 6 and Dec. 27 respectively. Bonnie turns 37 years old on Dec. 29.
The zoo staff gave the orangutans presents filled with popcorn, raisins and peanuts. Also, they decorated the exhibit in the Great Ape House with brightly colored streamers and fabric.
In the wild, orangutans may live up to 45 years or more. The oldest captive orangutan was a male at the Philadelphia Zoo who lived until he was 58 years old, according to the Sumatran Orangutan Society.