If you've read my wildlife column you know my FAVORITE wild animal is the Orangutan...they are so fascinating and comical! One of the best work days of my life was a photoshoot with Rudi, one of the orangutans at the Houston Zoo - today is Rudi's 45th birthday! That's so awesome - Happy Birthday, Rudi Valentino! This photo was from our photoshoot in 2021. Rudi is the oldest male orangutan in North America, and also the Zoo’s longest resident, arriving to the Houston Zoo back in 1978 when he was only two months old. He rotates on exhibit with other orangutans and spends time with Kelly, one of the female orangutans. He stands about 5 feet 4 inches and his arm span is 8 feet 2 inches.![]()
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For his birthday, his animal care team will give him his favorites treats and sing happy birthday to him! He enjoys all the attention from his keepers and foraging for treats..Happy Bday Rudi!![]()
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If want to check out my story in the April 2021 issue, click here: issuu.com/houstonpettalk10/docs/pettalk_167_april_2021_issuu/54![]()
Photos by Photography By Prudence