LITTLE ROCK (Aug. 23, 2016) – Bandar, a Bornean orangutan, is getting comfortable in his new home at the Little Rock Zoo. Tuesday marked the second day for the 23-year-old great ape to be outside after spending a few weeks indoors for observation.

The 315-pound male arrived from the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Neb. A female is expected to join him in the exhibit this fall. As part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival, the Zoo hopes the pair will mate and help save the critically endangered species.

“It’s estimated that 104,700 Bornean orangutans live in the wild,” said Zoo Director Mike Blakely. “That sounds like a lot, but that number represents a decline from an estimated 288,500 individuals in 1973 and the numbers are projected to decline to 47,000 individuals by 2025.”

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