Say hello to Eirina, Denver Zoo’s new orangutan

Adrian D. Garcia

Sep. 29, 2016, 3:03 p.m.

Eirina, a female Sumatran orangutan. (Courtesy of Denver Zoo)

An 8-year-old Sumatran orangutan from Germany is the newest animal hanging out at the Denver Zoo.

Eirina arrived Sept. 22 from the Dortmund zoo in west Germany. She’s currently exploring her new home in the Great Apes building in the Denver Zoo’s Primate Panorama.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums recommended Eirina come stateside to ensure healthy populations and genetic diversity among zoo animals in both locations, according to the Denver Zoo.

Zookeepers in Denver are hoping Eirina will find a love connection with a 14-year-old orangutan,affectionately referred to as “Junie,” at the Denver Zoo.

“The two were introduced over the weekend and are already getting along well,” a news release states. Zookeepers say Eirina offered Junie treats when they were in adjacent rooms. When the door separating them first opened, they greeted each other with a hug.

Sumatran orangutans are only found on the island of Sumatra, in Indonesia. They are listed as “critically endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

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Business & data reporter Adrian D. Garcia can be reached via email at agarcia@denverite.com or twitter.com/adriandgarcia.

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Eirina, a female Sumatran orangutan. (Courtesy of Denver Zoo)