ABQ BioPark's Tonka, second oldest male Sumatran orangutan in US, dies at 44

A beloved ABQ BioPark Zoo orangutan has died.

Tonka, 44, was the second-oldest male Sumatran orangutan in the United States, according to BioPark. He was euthanized Friday after dealing with advanced kidney disease.

“Tonka will be missed by the other orangutans in his troop, the staff, volunteers and the BioPark’s visitors,” BioPark Zoo Manager Lynn Tupa said. “Everyone knew who he was and (was) impressed with his gentleness and beauty.”

Tonka also was recognized by his long dreadlocks as he moved around the habitat and interacted with the others, Tupa said.

Tonka and the entire orangutan troop explored expansive new spaces with opportunities to swing and climb. Tonka especially enjoyed climbing to the highest platform that offered 360-degree views of the bosque, elephants, giraffes and the surrounding neighborhood, according to BioPark.

“He was a father to five offspring and was a great father to all of them, allowing them to steal food from him and the way he gently played with them,” Tupa said, adding that when Tonka died, his offspring were a bit confused, not sure what happened to him.

Three of his offspring — Henry, Tara and Reese each live at separate zoos — while Pixel and Bulan live at the BioPark with their mother, Sarah, and an unrelated female named Ruby.

They are all doing OK, Tupa said, adding that they are “trying to figure out their place in the group.”

Tonka was diagnosed with kidney disease more than six years ago. He received treatments to relieve his symptoms, but there is no cure for this disease. However, thanks to the care he received, Tonka lived in comfort and well beyond the average life expectancy for his species of 25.4 years, according to BioPark.

Tara said BioPark will work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to find a genetically suitable male to bring into the group.

Sumatran orangutans are listed as critically endangered — two levels shy of extinct — by the International Union for Conservation Red List of Threatened Species.

There are about 14,600 Sumatran orangutans left, according to the World Wildlife Fund.