Columbus Zoo holds 50th birthday party for Dumplin, one of the oldest orangutans in the US
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium threw a party Sunday for Dumplin the orangutan, who was born in Dallas, Texas, on July 21, 1974.
Dumplin came to Columbus in 2013. Her 50th birthday included a cake, gifts and friends.
What is the average orangutan life expectancy?
Orangutans have a median life expectancy of 37.6 years in professional care, according to the zoo. Reaching the half-century milestone makes Dumplin the third-oldest Bornean female orangutan in the United States.
Dumplin was born the same year as the Rumble in the Jungle, the historic boxing match between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali. That's the theme the zoo chose for Dumplin's party.
The theme also referenced upheaval orangutans in the wild have faced due to substantial losses in forest habits in Borneo and Sumatra.
Who was at the Columbus Zoo's orangutan birthday party?
Dumplin's party included special enrichment items such as gift bags, paper chains and large leaves and a three-layer orangutan-friendly cake made by the zoo's animal nutrition center staff.
Guests included orangutan mother Khali and baby Clementine. Dumplin never successfully reproduced and has become an "aunt" to Clementine. The zoo noted in a release that "Dumplin, Khali, and Clementine are often observed near each other throughout the day, and Khali frequently grooms Dumplin."
Bornean male orangutan Sulango played the role of wallflower and kept his distance while the females enjoyed the treats.
What's new at the Columbus Zoo?
In recent weeks, the zoo has announced the birth of a baby gorilla and Pallas' cat kittens. It also welcomed a new elephant, Johnson, to its herd.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Orangutan Dumplin celebrates 50th birthday with party at Columbus Zoo
Solve the daily Crossword
