#PongoPosts
Kalijon’s Story
By Amy Mohr
Animal Care Manager (Kansas City Zoo)
In her 13 years of life at the Kansas City Zoo, Bornean orangutan Kalijon has a story that is a heartwarming, one that has created relationships with all six other orangutans currently living at the zoo! Despite animal care staff spending a lot of time training maternal care behaviors with biological mother, TK, Kalijon did have to be hand-raised for a few months. She was then introduced to seasoned orangutan mother, Jill, who took over as her adoptive mother right away. Over the years, Kalijon spent time in various social groupings that included Jill’s daughter, Josephine (otherwise known as Josie), who is 7 years older than Kalijon, as well as adult male, Rufus, who doted on and played with her as if she were his own daughter. Josie’s son, Dusty, is 6 years younger than Kalijon and has been a perfect playful companion.
As Kaljon began maturing and passing the age where she would become independent from her mother in the wild, animal care staff began giving her opportunities to gain independence and confidence through modified social management of the zoo’s orangutan groups. This process began with separation training, helping her build confidence being away from Jill. Once she was comfortable being away from Jill, she was introduced to her biological parents, Berani and TK. This duo had visual and auditory access to Kalijon since she was born, but all three were physically together for the first time last summer. TK and Kalijon occasionally play, but Kalijon spends most of her time with Berani and the two appear to really enjoy each other’s company.
After these three were re-united, Kalijon was re-introduced to Josie and her son Dusty. Following these successful introductions, animal care staff created a rotational plan for Kalijon where she gets to spend time with all of these different groupings as well as time on her own. Her interactions with Dusty involve a lot of wrestling and play, which provides Josie with a presumably welcome break from Dusty’s never-ending energy. Kalijon’s animal care specialists believe this fission/fusion management style has built a lot of confidence for the 13-year-old. This method also has created ample opportunities for social enrichment and enhancing her social knowledge to better prepare her for future introductions with other orangutans she might embark upon in the future, not to mention endless amazing photo opportunities.
*Upon recommendation of the Orangutan SSP, Kalijon now lives at the Topeka Zoo with their male Bumi, and is doing fantastic!
By Amy Mohr
Animal Care Manager (Kansas City Zoo)
In her 13 years of life at the Kansas City Zoo, Bornean orangutan Kalijon has a story that is a heartwarming, one that has created relationships with all six other orangutans currently living at the zoo! Despite animal care staff spending a lot of time training maternal care behaviors with biological mother, TK, Kalijon did have to be hand-raised for a few months. She was then introduced to seasoned orangutan mother, Jill, who took over as her adoptive mother right away. Over the years, Kalijon spent time in various social groupings that included Jill’s daughter, Josephine (otherwise known as Josie), who is 7 years older than Kalijon, as well as adult male, Rufus, who doted on and played with her as if she were his own daughter. Josie’s son, Dusty, is 6 years younger than Kalijon and has been a perfect playful companion.
As Kaljon began maturing and passing the age where she would become independent from her mother in the wild, animal care staff began giving her opportunities to gain independence and confidence through modified social management of the zoo’s orangutan groups. This process began with separation training, helping her build confidence being away from Jill. Once she was comfortable being away from Jill, she was introduced to her biological parents, Berani and TK. This duo had visual and auditory access to Kalijon since she was born, but all three were physically together for the first time last summer. TK and Kalijon occasionally play, but Kalijon spends most of her time with Berani and the two appear to really enjoy each other’s company.
After these three were re-united, Kalijon was re-introduced to Josie and her son Dusty. Following these successful introductions, animal care staff created a rotational plan for Kalijon where she gets to spend time with all of these different groupings as well as time on her own. Her interactions with Dusty involve a lot of wrestling and play, which provides Josie with a presumably welcome break from Dusty’s never-ending energy. Kalijon’s animal care specialists believe this fission/fusion management style has built a lot of confidence for the 13-year-old. This method also has created ample opportunities for social enrichment and enhancing her social knowledge to better prepare her for future introductions with other orangutans she might embark upon in the future, not to mention endless amazing photo opportunities.
*Upon recommendation of the Orangutan SSP, Kalijon now lives at the Topeka Zoo with their male Bumi, and is doing fantastic!
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The Orangutan Species Survival Plan®
Formed in the 1980's, the Orangutan SSP is a group of dedicated professionals with five primary goals:
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Welfare of individuals, social groups and populations
Together with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Orangutan SSP serves the accredited zoos that house orangutans in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South Korea.
Working closely with respected professionals in the field, the SSP provides help and guidance to zoos housing orangutans. Together, zoos and the SSP seek to provide the best possible environment for these amazing apes. 
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AZA members are committed to #orangutan conservation. Between 2018 and 2019, over $2.2 million was spent on orangutan #conservation focused on habitat restoration, rescue and rehabilitation, and education and outreach. #WeAreAZA #AZASAFE #SavingSpecies
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Orangutans in Zoos
Orangutans live in 50+ accredited zoos all across the United States, Canada, Mexico and South Korea. Find out where they are and more about their exhibits here. 
Photo by Max Block
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Resources
This website serves as a central forum for important information for members of the SSP. Click here to enter the Member’s section and find out the latest happenings for and about the Orangutan Species Survival Plan. 
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