I thought I would walk over to Janey’s exhibit this afternoon and see what she was up to. Today she is sharing her outdoor environment with a family of siamangs and four other orangutan friends. I was somewhat surprised to see Janey climbing one of the very tall structures inside of her exhibit! I was surprised because Janey will turn 45 next year. For an orangutan, 45 years old is considered entering the later stages of life. Some orangutans have been known to live into their fifties!

Janey also has arthritis in her joints. The keepers make sure that she takes her arthritis medication two times a day. She also takes other medications to keep everything flowing. Staying regular is a big part of her overall health plan! It’s nice to see her climbing and active at this stage of her life. Janey’s medications are mixed in a plastic drink bottle and then the keeper just hands her the bottle–with the cap on, of course! Janey unscrews the cap and sips from the bottle until the very last drop. She will usually ask for more by handing the empty bottle back to you and gesturing with her hand.

A few days ago I was looking at pictures of her from last year when she was making some of her famous paintings (bid on Janey’s paintings online). I compared the photos to ones that were recently taken and I noticed a difference. She looks healthier now! Her hair is longer and shiny. There is a spark in her eye! Being active and eating healthy is something we all think about daily. Well, Janey is doing it! Janey is a vegetarian. Her diet consists of a variety of fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, and biscuits specially formulated for primates. The keepers and the nutritionists at the Zoo monitor her diet on a regular basis. She is weighed every month and is trained to voluntarily give us her arm so the veterinarians can take blood samples! When I go to give blood I can never watch the procedure. Not Janey! She looks you straight in the eye when the needle goes in and then watches the blood flow into the tube! Janey has built a trust and rapport with the people that work with her.

She is an incredible orangutan who not only has given us her trust and companionship but also gives the same to the other animals and the guests that share her environment at the Zoo.

Until another afternoon at the San Diego Zoo”¦”¦..

Kim Livingstone is the Heart of the Zoo team area lead at the San Diego Zoo.

Here’s another blog about Janey.
Check out Janey’s profile at www.myspace.com/janeyape
Great Ape Awareness Week at the San Diego Zoo continues through November 19.
Watch Janey and the other apes daily on Ape Cam.

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