Kutai

Kutai, the Oregon Zoo’s only male orangutan has an interesting life story. He joined the Oregon Zoo in 2001, but his connection runs even deeper. Though he was born at another zoo, Kutai is the grandson of Oregon zoo’s orangutan matriarch Inji.
When Kutai first arrived at the Oregon Zoo, it was obvious to keepers that he would get along beautifully with Inji and Batik. He is a very intelligent and creative orangutan and sometimes presents challenges to his keepers. The keepers joke that they have to make all the exhibits ‘Kutai proof’ because he loves to dismantle objects and make his own toys and tools. He has even used these ‘tools’ to pry things open, undo screws and get hard-to-reach objects.
Kutai is twice as large as Inji, but his grandmother still shows him, who’s in the boss. Kutai and Inji have a wonderful relationship. During Inji’s gallbladder surgery, Kutai showed concern for his grandmother and checked on her every time he could.

Learn more about orangutans.