ST. LOUIS – The Saint Louis Zoo announced on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, that Merah, a 57-year-old Sumatran orangutan and one of the oldest of her species in North America, died on Wednesday morning, June 3, 2026.
The zoo said Merah was the second-oldest Sumatran orangutan in North America at the time of her death and had been receiving specialized care for multiple advanced health conditions related to her age.
“We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Merah, our beloved, 57-year-old Sumatran orangutan,” the zoo said in a statement.
Merah came to the Saint Louis Zoo in 1992. The zoo said she was a mother of five, grandmother of two and great-grandmother of one, including Sugriwa, Ginger, and Rubih, who were born at the Saint Louis Zoo.
In 2014, at age 45, Merah became the oldest Sumatran orangutan in the AZA Orangutan SSP to give birth, according to the zoo.
The zoo described Merah as “a curious, gentle, and attentive mother and role model within her family group.” Her care team especially loved watching her interact with her youngest grandson, 2-year-old Forest, the zoo said.
The zoo said Merah was an avid “people watcher” and was often seen “supervising” zoo staff near her habitat. She also enjoyed “washing” items with bubble bath and taking long, comfortable naps under a sheet, according to the statement.
“She will be greatly missed by her orangutan family, care team, and all who knew her,” the zoo said.
The Saint Louis Zoo asked the public to keep Merah’s care team “in your thoughts during this difficult time.”
