SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 15, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — Utah’s Hogle Zoo has announced a news addition to its animal family: Mia, a full-grown male orangutan from Greenville Zoo in South Carolina.
The 27-year-old moved into the Great Ape building at the end of September and has spent the last several weeks getting better acquainted with fellow orangutans, 11-year-old Acara and her little brother, 2-year-old Tuah, according to a news release from Hogle Zoo.
“He’s the most easygoing guy ever,” said Erin Jones, great ape supervisor. “They’re all learning how to get along as a group of animals. They’re figuring out likes and dislikes. He’s fantastic.”
Mia came to Hogle Zoo as part of the zoo’s participation in the Orangutan Species Survival Program (SSP).
“Mia is currently here for companionship though there is a possibility that Mia and Acara may make good partners in the future, but that would be years away,” the zoo statement said.
“The SSP ensures genetic purity in breeding as zoos accredited through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums work feverishly against the clock to fight for the preservation of this critically endangered species.”
Mia is currently on exhibit daily at the zoo, at 2600 Sunnyside Ave. (840 South).
