Chester Zoo are mourning the death of Martha, known as ‘The Grand Old Lady of Chester Zoo’ who has died at the age of 59
Orphaned as a baby, Martha had to be raised in care by Barbara Harrison, an early pioneering orangutan conservationist who helped to set up the first orangutan rehabilitation centre in Borneo.
Martha moved to Chester in 1966 where she went on to become a hugely influential part of the international conservation breeding programme working to ensure a safety-net population of Bornean orangutans.
At an estimated 59 years, she lived well beyond her typical life expectancy which, in the wild, is estimated to be around 40 years.
Chris Yarwood, Primate Assistant Manager and long time carer for Martha of more than 26 years, added:
“There really aren’t enough words to convey the awe and respect that I have for Martha, the grand old lady of Chester Zoo, and it feels incredibly strange to have to say goodbye.
“A wonderful mother and role model to her daughters Sarikei and Leia, Martha was a true ambassador for her species and fundamental to the establishment of the global conservation breeding programme, working to protect these charismatic, but sadly highly threatened animals.
“Caring for Martha has been a huge privilege. She’ll be hugely missed and will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
