Joe the Orangutan was one of the Erie Zoo’s most beloved creatures. He had quite a personality, and might sit and look at you, or jump up and display his strength, depending on his mood. Upon his passing he leaves behind a child, Otis, and will be missed by his mate Dasa, Otis’ mother.

Joe had fallen ill, and testing showed he had heart problems. After starting on medications last week to remedy this, he began to deteriorate and passed away shortly thereafter.

This video shows the whole Orangutan family, Dasa, Otis and Joe. It was taken in June of 2019, when Otis was still a baby.