'Incredibly intelligent, gentle and wise': Dublin Zoo mourn the death of orangutan Leonie

Dublin Zoo is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Leonie, their much-loved 44-year-old female Northwest Bornean orangutan. An iconic presence since her arrival from Rotterdam Zoo in 1984, Leonie was at the heart of the orangutan family for four decades.

Dublin Zoo team leader Ciarán McMahon, who first met Leonie in 1995 as a young zookeeper, reflected on her remarkable life and enduring impact. 

Mr McMahon said, "I had the privilege of watching her grow from a young adolescent into an extraordinary mother. She was incredibly intelligent, gentle, and wise. While she was loving towards all our keepers, she was known for having a soft spot for the male staff – a bit of a flirt, we used to say! Her level of comprehension was astonishing. She would calmly observe the team and often mimic our behaviour. Orangutans are known for this, but Leonie’s abilities were exceptional."

Going onto say that her nurturing nature was just as impressive, Leonie often helped raise others in the troop, as well as her own young, even stepping in to care for a young Mujur who needed a surrogate mother. Their bond remained incredibly strong ever since.

Described as a "character", Leonie was known for her calm and confident demeanour and of course her famous fringe, which she would sit and groom with the utmost care before she went about her day. 

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Mr McMahon continued: "The loss of her mate Sibu last year hit us all hard, but Leonie most of all. They had been inseparable companions for over 40 years. She was always at her most content by his side, and his sudden passing undoubtedly affected her.

"In recent months, we watched her health decline due to age-related issues affecting her heart and breathing. Despite expert care, including consultation with human cardiac specialists, her condition worsened. With heavy hearts, we made the decision to let her go peacefully."

The heartbroken team at Dublin Zoo are now focusing on carefully planned introductions to ensure Mujur has companionship in the months ahead.

"Perhaps her greatest legacy will be the generations of keepers who carry her lessons forward—in caregiving, in leadership, and in compassion. Her story reminds us of what we’re fighting for," concluded Mr McMahon. 

It is clear that Leonie has inspired millions to care about the survival of her species and she will be deeply missed by the Dublin Zoo team.