MEET THE ORANGUTANS AT THE INDIANAPOLIS ZOO

AZY  Born: December 14, 1977
Lived Where: National Zoo, 1977; Albuquerque Zoo, 1978-1980; National Zoo, 1980-2004; Great Ape Trust, 2004-2010; Indianapolis Zoo, 2010-present.

What makes Azy unique? Azy was the first orangutan to participate in cognitive research using computer-generated symbols. Azy began this work at the National Zoo, where he lived at the Think Tank exhibit and participated in the Orangutan Language Project starting in 1995. Azy is eager to learn new tasks, especially those that provide a mental challenge, and he enjoys collaborating with human research partners. Azy is a peacekeeper, and does not tolerate fighting among the females in his social group. His relationship with Rocky and all of the females is excellent. In general, female orangutans find him very attractive.

What is Azy’s disposition? Everyone who knows Azy regard him as inquisitive, gentle, and a great role model for young males.

KNOBI  Born: September 30, 1979
Lived Where: Except for a brief period in 1984-1985, when she lived at the Denver Zoo, Knobi has lived most of her life at the Henry Doorly Zoo; Great Ape Trust, 2005-2010; Indianapolis Zoo, 2010-present.

What makes Knobi unique? Knobi is very maternal, and immediately adopted Rocky when they were introduced in 2008. She treats him as her son, although she has never had offspring of her own. Knobi has Type II diabetes that is managed very well with a proper diet and lots of activity, and she does not require medication.

What is Knobi’s disposition? Knobi has a gentle disposition but is very socially confident. Knobi and Rocky play together on a daily basis. She has an excellent relationship with Azy, and they spend lots of time with each other.

Katy  Born: December 18, 1988
Lived Where: Private ownership in the entertainment industry, birth to 2008; Great Ape Trust,
2008-2010; Indianapolis Zoo, 2010-present.

What makes Katy unique? Many regard Katy as the most beautiful female orangutan they’ve ever seen. She has a passive nature, but recently has become more confident around the other orangutans and invites interactions with them. She also solicits interactions with people she favors, frequently using her whistling skills to get their attention. Katy is Rocky’s biological mother, but she did not raise him.

What is Katy’s disposition? Like many orangutans, Katy frequently chooses to spend time alone. However, she can be very playful and enjoys being tickled by people she trusts. She regularly initiates play with Rocky. Katy is a quick learner, with a fondness for puzzles. We predict that she will excel at computer-based tasks.

rocky  Born: September 25, 2004
Lived Where: Private ownership in the entertainment industry, birth to 2008; Great Ape Trust, 2008-2010; Indianapolis Zoo, 2010-present.

What makes Rocky unique? Rocky has a very unusual background. While in private ownership, he was the most visible orangutan in the entertainment industry. He was raised by a number of different people and did not live with other orangutans until he was 3-and-a-half years old. Young orangutans normally stay with their mothers until they are at least seven years old. He readily accepted Knobi as his adopted mom when they were introduced in 2008. She taught Rocky how to behave with other orangutans.

What is Rocky’s disposition? Happily, Rocky is a typical young male orangutan. He is energetic, extremely playful, needs lots of attention, and can sometimes be a pest. He invites play from all of the other orangutans, but most often plays with Knobi. He is remarkably bright and always ready to learn.

charly  Born: March 7, 1994
Lived Where: Private ownership in the entertainment industry prior to moving to the Indianapolis Zoo, 2010-present.

What makes Charly unique? Charly has had limited opportunities to socialize with other orangutans. This will be an important opportunity for him at the Indianapolis Zoo. He’s also a relatively small adult male, especially compared to Azy. Charly has developed trusting and playful relationships with his caretakers, and these social interactions motivate him much more than food. He quickly learns and responds to requests from people he trusts.

What is Charly’s disposition? Charly is shy, but his confidence is growing and he can be very playful. We look forward to seeing his full personality emerge over time. Upon arrival at the Zoo, Charly was very suspicious of sheets, blankets, and soft nesting materials. He now uses these things to make elaborate beds to sleep in every night.

lucy  Born: February 11, 1984
Lived Where: Private ownership in the entertainment industry prior to moving to the Indianapolis Zoo, 2010-present.

What makes Lucy unique? Lucy has had fairly limited opportunities to socialize with other orangutans, but is thriving in a social group with Azy, Knobi, Katy, and Rocky. She is known for her sweet, soulful eyes. She is a champion nest builder and makes extra-large and elaborate beds to sleep in every night.

What is Lucy’s disposition? Lucy is very gentle and loves attention from her trusted caretakers. She has a dominant personality around the other orangutans, although she regularly plays with Rocky. She does not hesitate to correct him if he misbehaves. Lucy seeks out attention from Azy and is developing a great relationship with him.

Benny  Born: March 6, 1979
Lived Where: Private ownership in the entertainment industry before moving to Zoo Atlanta. Planned move to the Indianapolis Zoo in late 2013 for acclimatization to the new International Orangutan Center.

What makes Benny unique? Like some of the other orangutans that came from entertainment, Benny has had limited opportunities to socialize with other orangutans.  Happily, he is now living full time with two females, and Benny interacts with them in normal and healthy ways.  This positive social change for Benny is a wonderful demonstration of his personality, as well as the excellent care he has received.  Benny is also Rocky’s biological father, and we look forward to providing him with the possibility to reproduce again in the near future. 
 
What is Benny’s disposition?   Benny’s personality has started to emerge.  He now behaves much more like a fully mature adult male and displays and vocalizes which demonstrates that he has confidence and a sense of security.

nicky  Born: July 1, 1984
Lived Where: Private ownership in the entertainment industry before moving to Zoo Atlanta. Planned move to the Indianapolis Zoo in late 2013 for acclimatization to the new International Orangutan Center.

What makes Nicky unique?  In the past, Nicky regularly interacted with other female orangutans, but rarely spent time with any males. Her current setting allows her to have more social flexibility.  She can now socialize with Benny and another young female, which is a very positive change for her.  Like most female orangutans, food is a very high priority for her. She has responded very well to the healthy and varied diet that she receives. 
 
What is Nicky’s disposition?  It’s easy to summarize Nicky’s personality.  She is remarkably sweet and calm.  Although she is not related to Lucy, they look very much alike and share the same overall demeanor. We predict that she and Azy will develop an exceptionally good relationship.