BioPark Zoo says goodbye to orangutan and wombat within a week

The ABQ BioPark Zoo is mourning the loss of an orangutan known for his intelligence and a wombat who loved holding a teddy bear.

On Tuesday, a 24-year-old male Sumatran orangutan named Elok died from cardiac arrest, just two months after arriving at the zoo.

"Elok quickly became a beloved member of the BioPark’s orangutan troop," BioPark Guest Experience Manager Allyson Zahm said in an email. "As a fully mature male, he played an important role in the social dynamics of the group."

On Tuesday morning, animal care employees found Elok showing signs of gastrointestinal distress, according to a news release sent Thursday. Elok, who had a pre-existing heart condition, had a "cardiac event" and died, ABQ BioPark Director Brandon Gibson said in the release.

"Elok will be remembered for the connection he helped foster between people and wildlife," Gibson said, adding that the zoo's four other orangutans were behaving normally and being monitored for any changes in health or behavior.

The zoo was prepared to treat Elok's condition.

"The BioPark has an incredibly talented team of veterinarians who provide care for every animal, from tiny silvery minnows to huge elephants," Zahm said. "Every animal receives individualized care and treatment. We are prepared to provide whole life care for every animal, and that comes with all current and future medical conditions.

"In Elok’s case, we knew that there was an added risk of anesthesia when combined with a heart condition and acute illness. It was determined that his condition required this level of urgent care. We had a cardiac ultrasound specialist present during the procedure due to his known condition."

The average life expectancy of an orangutan is 25 years, he said.

Elok is the second zoo animal to die in the past several days.

On Saturday, BioPark Zoo staff euthanized a 16-year-old Tasmanian wombat named Otto after he suffered complications from chronic kidney disease, according to a news release Wednesday.

The release states the decision to put Otto to sleep "was made with a heavy heart" after animal care employees found his quality of life to be on a "swift decline."

Guests were "really connected to Otto because he was so personable," BioPark spokesperson Greg Jackson said in an email.

"Many of our younger guests could relate to him because he had a plush teddy bear animal that he just loved to be with," he said.

Otto was the last wombat at the zoo. However, officials said they are planning to expand the Australia exhibit and, when the work is complete, it will be home to wombats, kangaroos, echidnas, emus and other species, Jackson said.

Construction is expected to start before the end of the year, he said.

Wombats are solitary marsupials from Tasmania and Australia. They typically live up to 15 years, according to the BioPark.