Australia: Perth Zoo euthanizes Puan, world's oldest Sumatran Orangutan

The zoo said that "the grand old ape was given a dignified end to her life, after various veterinary assessments confirmed age related complications were adversely impacting her ability to live a quality life".

Puan, who was brought to the zoo in 1968, was officially recognised by the Guinness World Records as the oldest Sumatran Orangutan two years ago.

Reflecting on her death, Primate Supervisor at the zoo, Holly Thompson, said: “It’s always hard to make that decision for any animal, but it was the right decision and a respectful end for an old lady who demanded respect throughout her life. “

“She did so much for the colony at Perth Zoo and the survival of her species, so I am very proud of the level of care given to Puan throughout her years, but importantly in her final days,” she added.

According to the facility, Puan is survived by 11 children and a total of 54 descendants across the US, Europe and elsewhere.

In her column for The West Australian, Martina Hart, the deceased's keeper wrote: "Puan is one of the more difficult members of our colony to write about - she’s not as outgoing as Sekara, as sweet as Utama or as placid as Dinar, but she certainly holds a special place in everyone’s hearts, and her legacy is quite simply incredible. There really aren’t words to describe Puan and the impact she has had on not only the breeding program at Perth Zoo, but also on the people who over the past 50-odd years have cared for her."