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

“Cheek was definitely a celebrity at the Louisville Zoo,” Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney said. “His outstanding personality has made him a great ambassador for his species and inspired an interest in wildlife in visitors of all ages.”

Cheek, a Sumatran-Borneo hybrid orangutan, was 36 years old.

According to the zoo, Cheek is known for his steady gaze and often stands at the forefront of his habitat, interacting with visitors, and has even appeared to be interested in visitors’ footwear.

“While our staff feels the death of the animal, we recognize that Cheek’s death resonates just as deeply with our broader community,” Mr Maloney said. “We would like to thank everyone who visited and cared for Cheek during his time in Louisville. He was a very special member of our zoo family and will be greatly missed.”

Cheek was battling a chronic respiratory disease known as orangutan respiratory disease syndrome. After her diagnosis two and a half years ago, Cheek was prescribed the same drugs used in humans and underwent ongoing treatment.

But over the past few months, his heart function has worsened and despite comprehensive care, he progressed to heart failure, the zoo said.

“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.”

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.”

Born on November 21, 1987 at the Como Zoo in St. Paul, Minnesota, 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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