Dublin Zoo Announces Death of Longtime Orangutan Leonie
General News
Thursday 24th, April 2025
2 minute read.
Dublin Zoo has announced the death of Leonie, a female Northwest Bornean orangutan who had been a central figure at the zoo for four decades. She arrived from Rotterdam Zoo in 1984 and was 44 years old at the time of her passing.
Leonie was described by staff as a calm, intelligent, and much-loved member of the zoo community. Ciarán McMahon, team leader and longtime caretaker who first met her in 1995, referred to her as the "quiet and quirky matriarch" of the orangutan group. He highlighted her remarkable ability to observe and mimic human behaviour, and her affectionate nature, particularly toward male staff.
One memorable aspect of Leonie’s routine was grooming her fringe every morning, a detail that endeared her further to keepers and visitors alike. McMahon also recalled how she acted as a surrogate mother to a young orangutan named Mujur, with whom she formed a lasting bond.
In recent months, Leonie’s health declined due to age-related heart and respiratory issues. Despite receiving expert care, including consultations with human cardiac specialists, her condition deteriorated, and the zoo made the decision to euthanise her humanely.
Leonie’s passing follows the death of her mate, Sibu, last year. The two had lived together for over 40 years.
Anthony McClure, a third-generation orangutan keeper at Dublin Zoo, expressed the emotional impact of her death. His grandfather, Gerry Creighton, was part of the original team that brought Leonie and Sibu from Rotterdam. McClure described her as “iconic” and said the loss felt deeply personal, comparing it to losing family members.
Leonie's legacy continues through her offspring. Her son Carl currently resides at Barcelona Zoo, where he has had young of his own.
The zoo’s remaining orangutan, 20-year-old Mujur, will soon be joined by Hutan, a 10-year-old male. This introduction is part of the Bornean Orangutan European Endangered Species Programme, coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. In the meantime, staff will provide Mujur with increased attention and care.
Leonie was described by staff as a calm, intelligent, and much-loved member of the zoo community. Ciarán McMahon, team leader and longtime caretaker who first met her in 1995, referred to her as the "quiet and quirky matriarch" of the orangutan group. He highlighted her remarkable ability to observe and mimic human behaviour, and her affectionate nature, particularly toward male staff.
One memorable aspect of Leonie’s routine was grooming her fringe every morning, a detail that endeared her further to keepers and visitors alike. McMahon also recalled how she acted as a surrogate mother to a young orangutan named Mujur, with whom she formed a lasting bond.
In recent months, Leonie’s health declined due to age-related heart and respiratory issues. Despite receiving expert care, including consultations with human cardiac specialists, her condition deteriorated, and the zoo made the decision to euthanise her humanely.
Leonie’s passing follows the death of her mate, Sibu, last year. The two had lived together for over 40 years.
Anthony McClure, a third-generation orangutan keeper at Dublin Zoo, expressed the emotional impact of her death. His grandfather, Gerry Creighton, was part of the original team that brought Leonie and Sibu from Rotterdam. McClure described her as “iconic” and said the loss felt deeply personal, comparing it to losing family members.
Leonie's legacy continues through her offspring. Her son Carl currently resides at Barcelona Zoo, where he has had young of his own.
The zoo’s remaining orangutan, 20-year-old Mujur, will soon be joined by Hutan, a 10-year-old male. This introduction is part of the Bornean Orangutan European Endangered Species Programme, coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. In the meantime, staff will provide Mujur with increased attention and care.
