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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GREAT APE TRUST OF IOWA FINDS COMPANION FOR AZY Female orangutan from Omaha to join Azy at great ape research center DES MOINES, Iowa, February 8, 2005 –-/WORLD-WIRE/-- A female orangutan from Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo will move to Great Ape Trust of Iowa and join Azy, a 27-year-old male, in the Orangutan Language Project. Dr. Rob Shumaker, director of Great Ape Trust’s orangutan research program, says Knobi (keh-NOH-bee), 25, will move to the Des Moines great ape research center Tuesday, February 8. “We believe Knobi will be a wonderful companion for Azy and an ideal candidate for our scientific research into the intelligence and behavior of great apes,” says Shumaker. “We’re extremely thankful for this opportunity Henry Doorly Zoo has provided Great Ape Trust.” 
Shumaker says the population of orangutans in the United States is very well-managed with very few “extras” available for transfer or relocation. He says Great Ape Trust considered several sources for an additional orangutan – accredited zoos, private ownership and the entertainment industry.
Great Ape Trust is coordinating Knobi’s transfer with Henry Doorly Zoo and the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's (AZA's) Species Survival Plan Program, which helps ensure the survival of selected wildlife species, such as orangutans. The search for Azy’s companion began in mid-November following the death of his sister, Indah. Veterinarians euthanized Indah after discovery of a terminal medical condition. The two arrived at Great Ape Trust in late September from the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, DC. Great Ape Trust is certified by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. To learn more about Great Ape Trust of Iowa, go to www.GreatApeTrust.org. CONTACT: Al Setka asetka@greatapetrust.org Great Ape Trust of Iowa 4200 SE 44th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50320 515.243.3580 www.greatapetrust.org |
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