LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Zoo announced the death of a 36-year-old orangutan named Teak on Wednesday.
Teak was a Sumatran-Bornean hybrid orangutan that lived with a heart condition, according to the zoo. The zoo said his longevity was a testament to his resilience and care he received.
Louisville Zoo director Dan Maloney called Teak a celebrity.
"His remarkable personality made him a wonderful ambassador for his species, inspiring visitors of all ages to care about wildlife," Maloney said. "While our staff feels the loss of any animal resident, we recognize the passing of Teak resonates as profoundly with our wider community as well. We are grateful for everyone who has visited and cared for Teak during his time in Louisville."
Teak was also being treated for a chronic respiratory illness known as Orangutan Respiratory Disease Syndrome. He was euthanized on Tuesday.
Teak was born on November 21, 1987 at the Como Zoo in St. Paul Minnesota. He and his half-sister Amber were featured on the David Letterman show with Jack Hanna in 1988.
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