Ah Meng, the Amazing Orangutan

I am one who believes that animals are much more intelligent than they are given credit for. Recently, I heard a story about a couple, both scientists, who raised a chimp in their home for research purposes. The chimp lived with them for more than ten years, so it became much more than a research project. The chimp became a part of their family and even took on many human qualities, like drinking tea and playing games with them.

So, when I read dancerence's article, Do You Remember Ah Meng, the Orangutan from the Singapore Zoo, it reminded me of the chimp story.

Ah Meng came to the Singapore zoo in 1971 and died at a ripe old age in 2008, with a family of children and grandchildren. What happened in between is lovingly told by dancerence and moved me to tears. Apparently, Ah Meng had quite a sense of humor, which came out in funny skits with her trainer. She had many famous fans too, including Prince Philip and Michael Jackson. Hundreds would come every year to celebrate Ah Meng's birthday, and more than 4,000 came for her memorial. Oh, that we could all have such an impact in our lives.

Orangutan is a Malaysian word meaning "person of the forest." Closely related genetically to humans, these animals are known for being intelligent and gentle. While they live mostly in trees, the young can stay with their mothers for up to six years. Once prevalent throughout Asia, they are now found only in Sumatra and Borneo. Due to loss of habitat, these amazing animals are considered critically endangered and may be the first of the chimp species to become extinct.

Besides the beautiful story of Ah Meng, dancerence provides ways to learn more about orangutans and how you can help these amazing animals through the Orangutan Conservancy and Chimp Haven.

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Image Credit: Young Orangutan by Orangutan