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Amazing Melati
Most of Melati's health problems center on her lungs. "Melati has had lung issues her entire life," says Dr. Joe Smith, the zoo's veterinarian. As an infant at the Yerkes Primate Center in Georgia and later at the Atlanta Zoo, Melati suffered from recurring bouts of pneumonia, which left her lungs scarred. Melati's scarred lungs are less capable of fighting off infections, and every infection results in more scarring, creating a vicious cycle. "We treat Melati very aggressively," says Smith. Zoo keepers administer daily breathing treatments with a nebulizer, similar to the way humans are treated for asthma and bronchitis. Melati also receives monthly antibiotic treatments to eliminate any infections that might be brewing. Smith regularly consults with an infectious disease specialist to stay up to date on treatment options. A thorough physical examination given earlier this week highlighted the superior medical care given to this endangered ape. A team of 15 people, including a pulmonologist (lung specialist), respiratory therapist, radiologist, cardiologist, ultrasound technician, veterinary anesthesiologist, zoo keepers, and the zoo's veterinary staff, was present for the exam. "Every single person had a role," in the procedure, says Smith. "All of these experts are very generous in donating their time to help us care for Melati."
Melati represents a species that is critically endangered in its native home on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo in Indonesian and Malaysia. Orangutans' rain forest habitat is being destroyed so rapidly that some scientists predict that these apes could become extinct in the wild within 10-15 years. Zoos cooperatively manage captive orangutan populations through the Species Survival Plan. The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo also supports the Orangutan Conservancy's efforts to protect wild orangutans. For more information, visit the Orangutan Conservancy at www.orangutan.com. You can help care for Melati through our Adopt an Animal program. Your adoption fee helps pay for food, medicine, and veterinary costs. To adopt an orangutan or any other zoo animal, click here. To see a video of zoo keepers training Melati's exhibit-mate, Tengku, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.
Have the Wildest Birthday Party in Town!Your child can have the wildest birthday in town when you Party With the Animals at the zoo! Your Party With the Animals birthday party package includes admission for 12 children and 3 adults (a $130 value) plus an ice cream cake, tableware, goodie bags for each attendee, a special t-shirt for the birthday child, and your own personal Party Keeper Host, who will lead your group in some wild birthday activities -- all for just $225 (for zoo members)! Click here for details or to print a registration form, then call Susie at 260-427-6808 or e-mail education@kidszoo.org to reserve your spot!
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Zoo Closed for the SeasonThe Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is currently closed for the season. Plan to visit when we reopen on April 18, 2009. For more information visit our web site. |
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