OKC Zoo's orangutans will be leaving this year. Find out why experts recommended new homes

Oklahoma City Zoo's Sumatran orangutans, Elok and Negara, are set to move to new homes after failing to mate. This decision follows recommendations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan, aimed at preserving the critically endangered species. Elok, a 25-year-old male, will be relocated by May, while 31-year-old Negara will stay at the zoo a bit longer. Both orangutans are considered genetically desirable, and the zoo hopes they will find compatible partners in their new environments. The move is bittersweet for the zoo staff and visitors who've grown attached to the apes over the years.
The relocation highlights the plight of Sumatran orangutans, native to Indonesia and threatened by poaching, illegal pet trade, and habitat loss. With only 14,000 individuals remaining in the wild, conservation efforts like the AZA's plan are critical to preventing extinction within the next few decades. The zoo is informing patrons in advance to allow them to visit Elok and Negara before they depart. The OKC Zoo's Great EscApe habitat, home to other primates, remains a popular attraction, recently recognized as one of America's Best Zoo Exhibits. The staff conducts daily Caretaker Chats to educate visitors about these intelligent and charismatic animals.
RATING
The article provides a largely accurate and clear account of the planned relocation of two Sumatran orangutans at the Oklahoma City Zoo. It effectively communicates the reasons behind the move and the emotional impact on zoo staff, while also highlighting the conservation status of the species. The story is timely and engages readers interested in wildlife conservation, though its impact and controversy potential are limited. The article would benefit from a broader range of sources and increased transparency regarding the decision-making process. Overall, it serves as an informative piece for those interested in zoo activities and conservation efforts.
RATING DETAILS
The story is largely accurate, presenting verifiable details about the orangutans Elok and Negara at the Oklahoma City Zoo. It accurately describes their ages, arrival dates, and the reasons for their transfer based on the AZA's Species Survival Plan. However, some claims, such as the specific timeline for their relocation and the exact details of the AZA's breeding recommendations, would benefit from additional verification. The article also correctly identifies the conservation status of Sumatran orangutans as critically endangered, aligning with known data. Overall, the facts presented are truthful and precise, though further source support would enhance verifiability.
The article provides a balanced view by including perspectives from zoo staff, such as Pace Frank and Shannon Charles-Ray, who discuss the emotional impact and the rationale behind the orangutans' relocation. However, it primarily focuses on the zoo's viewpoint and does not include perspectives from independent conservation experts or animal rights organizations, which could provide a broader range of insights. The story avoids overt favoritism but could benefit from additional viewpoints to present a more comprehensive picture.
The article is well-structured and written in clear, accessible language. It effectively conveys the main points regarding the orangutans' relocation and their conservation status. The logical flow of information and the inclusion of direct quotes from zoo staff contribute to the story's clarity. However, minor improvements could be made by providing more detailed explanations of the AZA's Species Survival Plan and its implications.
The information in the article is attributed to zoo staff, which lends some credibility given their expertise and direct involvement. However, the article lacks a diversity of sources, relying solely on internal zoo perspectives without input from external experts or third-party organizations. This limitation may affect the perceived impartiality and reliability of the reporting. Including more authoritative and varied sources would strengthen the article's credibility.
The article provides clear explanations for the orangutans' relocation, citing the AZA's Species Survival Plan and the lack of successful mating as primary reasons. However, it does not disclose the methodology behind the AZA's recommendations or any potential conflicts of interest, such as the zoo's motivations for public communication. Greater transparency about the decision-making process and any influencing factors would enhance the article's trustworthiness.
Sources
- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI4dbxRPEYV/
- https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/oklahoma-city-zoo-news-2025.493802/
- https://thelostogle.com/2025/01/15/out-to-sea-okc-zoos-new-marine-life-habitat-scaled-back-after-massive-budget-overrun
- https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=1011-Zoo-reveals-masterplan
- https://www.news9.com/story/6670bc7bae9ce6dbd29c3748/okc-zoo-leaders-unveil-master-plan-with-overnight-suites-new-species
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