LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – The Louisville Zoo has announced the sad news that their beloved orangutan, Cheek, has been humanely euthanized after a years-long battle with heart disease.

Cheek is a Sumatran-Borneo hybrid orangutan who lived with a heart condition. He continues to receive treatment for his heart disease, but the zoo announced that his heart function worsened in the first few months of his life. Cheek was battling a chronic respiratory disease known as orangutan respiratory disease syndrome.

He was 36 years old.

After her diagnosis two and a half years ago, Cheek was prescribed the same medication used in humans. Despite comprehensive treatment, his heart disease progressed to heart failure.

“End-of-life decisions are always difficult, especially for a charismatic animal like Cheek,” said senior staff veterinarian Dr. Zoli Ghimesh. “However, his welfare and quality of life depend on his “Throughout their care, that has always been our top priority.”

Norton Healthcare cardiologist Dr. Joe Rush oversaw Cheek’s cardiac care, working closely with the animal care team and zoo veterinarians.

“We are all saddened by the loss of Cheek at the Louisville Zoo and the entire community,” Rush said. “During these difficult times, I am continually reminded of and grateful for the skill and caring professionalism of our zoo staff in supporting the complex medical care required to support our primate programs.”

“Cheek was definitely a celebrity at the Louisville Zoo,” said Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney. “His outstanding personality has made him a great ambassador for his species, inspiring an interest in wildlife in visitors of all ages. Our staff members are deeply affected by the loss of our native animals. However, we recognize that Teak’s death resonates just as deeply in our broader community. We would like to thank everyone who visited and cared for Teak during his time in Louisville. He was a very special member of our zoo family and will be greatly missed.”

Memories of teak (1987-2024)

Born on November 21, 1987 at the Como Zoo in St. Paul, Minnesota, Cheek was known for his steady gaze. The zoo said he was often on the front lines of his habitat, interacting with visitors and seemed interested in their footwear.

Cheek and his half-sister Amber came to Louisville from the Columbus Zoo in 1996. The two also appeared on The David Letterman Show with Jack Hannah in 1988.

The Zoo encourages guests looking for a way to honor Teak and his life by supporting products made with sustainable palm oil to protect orangutan habitat.

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