Rajang, Colchester Zoo's beloved Orangutan, who had a special fascination with womens' baby bumps, has been put down at the age of 50 due to old age.

Rajang the Orangutan

Rajan, a part-Bornean, part-Sumatran orangutan was born on the 14th of June 1968 at Chester Zoo and was then moved to Colchester Zoo in 1980. He was one of Colchester Zoo's most popular residents, with a unique, fascinating and loving personality.

Rajang was interested in keepers and visitors, but for some reason, he seemed to love and be fascinated by womens' pregnant baby bumps. Videos of him kissing the baby bumps through the glass enclosure were seen by millions of people. He would also mimic the keepers and visitors and was seen trying to copy a magician's magic tricks.

Rajang the Orangutan dies at 50

Rajang had been treated for arthritis and other health problems that come with old age. Unfortunately, his chronic health problems were too much for Rajang to bear.

The zoo said: "He had been experiencing periods of losing focus similar to that of what we may expect in someone with a degenerating neurological condition. The most difficult but kindest decision to put Rajang to sleep had to be made to prevent our beautiful orangutan friend from suffering."

RIP Rajang, you will be missed!

Photo used for illustration purposes only.

Check out Colchester Zoo's Facebook page here.

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