A critically endangered Sumatran orangutan died Tuesday at the ABQ BioPark after suffering cardiac arrest during treatment for a sudden illness, just two months after arriving at the city-owned facility that welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors annually.
Elok, a 24-year-old male, showed signs of gastrointestinal distress Tuesday morning when animal care staff arrived, according to a BioPark news release. The orangutan had appeared normal with typical behavior and appetite the previous day.
Veterinary teams intervened when Elok’s condition failed to improve, but he experienced a fatal cardiac event despite treatment efforts, the release stated. Elok had a known pre-existing heart condition.
The median life expectancy for male Sumatran orangutans is 25.4 years, making Elok’s death occur near the typical lifespan for his species.
“Though we only got to spend a small amount of time with him, we will remember him forever,” said Amber Alink, BioPark curator of primates and elephants, in the news release. “He was incredibly intelligent and loved interacting with the animal care staff as much as we loved interacting with him. He was a truly special orangutan.”
The BioPark had announced Elok’s arrival in May as the newest member of its orangutan troop.
The four remaining orangutans at the BioPark are behaving normally and showing no symptoms of Elok’s illness, according to the release. They are being closely monitored along with three siamangs that live in the Asia exhibit for any changes in health or behavior.
ABQ BioPark is among an elite group of American facilities, as less than 10% of the approximately 2,800 licensed animal exhibitors in the United States meet the rigorous standards required by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The facility has maintained continuous AZA accreditation since 1981 and earned American Humane Certified status in 2023 following independent reviews of animal welfare standards.
Sumatran orangutans are classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The species serves as what conservationists call “gardeners of the forest,” playing vital roles in seed dispersal within their native Indonesian habitats.
According to the BioPark release, every Sumatran orangutan plays a crucial role in raising awareness and inspiring conservation action. Officials said Elok would be remembered for helping foster connections between people and wildlife during his brief time at the facility.
The ABQ BioPark consists of a zoo, aquarium, botanic garden and Tingley Beach, operating as a division of the City of Albuquerque’s Cultural Services Department.
