Minnie, the orangutan at Mysuru zoo, suffers from pneumonia; receives expert care

Minnie, the female orangutan and a prime attraction at the century-old Mysuru Zoo, is showing signs of recovery after battling pneumonia.

The zoo management consulted veterinary experts from the United Kingdom and Malaysia to aid in Minnie’s treatment. These experts have been working closely with the zoo’s veterinarians, offering valuable insights to ensure the best possible care for the Great Ape.

Minnie, 10 years and eight months old, has faced respiratory issues multiple times since she arrived from Malaysia’s Safari Wonderland in 2021. This is the third time she has suffered from pneumonia.

Despite these recurring challenges, the zoo’s veterinary team has successfully nursed Minnie back to health in the past. Once again, the team is monitoring her condition round-the-clock to ensure her continued recovery, according to zoo officials.

Zoo Executive Director Rangaswamy said the zoo has always prioritised Minnie’s health, going the extra mile each time she falls ill. He noted that experts from the U.K. and Malaysia have acknowledged the challenges involved in treating such conditions and emphasised the need for stringent precautions.

The zoo management also clarified that they are strictly adhering to global treatment protocols, ensuring that Minnie receives world-class care.

Minnie was one of the four orangutans brought to Mysuru Zoo as part of a major international animal exchange programme in 2021. Along with Minnie, a 5-year-old male, Afa, arrived from Malaysia, while a 17-year-old male, Merlin, and a 13-year-old female, Atina, were brought from Singapore Zoo. In exchange, Mysuru Zoo sent two pairs of giraffes.

The orangutans are housed in a spacious, specially designed enclosure built with funds provided by the Bank Note Paper Mill India (BNPMI), Mysuru, under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. The first enclosure for orangutans was constructed with ₹70 lakh from BNPMI, and a second larger facility costing ₹99.20 lakh was inaugurated two years ago. This new enclosure was designed to accommodate the growing orangutan population and facilitate a breeding programme to maintain a healthy bloodline.

With continuous support from global experts and CSR partnerships, the zoo is making its best efforts to ensure the well-being of these endangered primates. The Mysuru Zoo said it has taken Minnie’s treatment as a challenge and is creating a safe and nurturing environment for orangutans, which are on display at the zoo after a gap of several decades.

The Mysuru zoo is among the country’s few zoos which have displayed orangutans.