Puan, world’s oldest known Sumatran orangutan, dies aged 62

The world’s oldest Sumatran orangutan has died at an Australian zoo at the age of 62.

Puan was euthanised at Perth Zoo on Monday due to age-related complications, leaving behind 54 descendants.

The famous great ape was described as the “Grand Old Lady” by zoo keepers and had been at the zoo since 1968.

In 2016 she was officially recognised as the oldest Sumatran orangutan by the Guinness World Records.

It is believed that Puan was born in 1956 in Sumatra and she was gifted to Australia by the Sultan Johore in Malaysia in exchange for some Australian animals.

Primate Supervisor, Holly Thompson, said the orangutan “did not suffer fools” gladly.

“She didn’t suffer fools, you always knew where you stood with Puan, and she would actually stamp her foot if she was dissatisfied with something you did!”

“She was a beautiful independent lady whose legacy is unparalleled.”

Puan’s offspring are spread across the United States, Europe, Australasia and the jungles of Sumatra. Her great grandson ‘Nyaru’ was the latest individual to be released into the wild.

“Her genetics count for just under 10 per cent of the global zoological population. That’s impressive statistics,” Ms Thompson said.