Benji’s 40!

We’re wishing our oldest and much-loved Bornean orangutan, Benji, a very happy 40th birthday today!

Keepers surprised the birthday boy with a piñata for his big day, which he discovered hanging from his outdoor climbing frame this morning, filled with tasty treats to enjoy.

He’s had a busy weekend celebrating his milestone with hundreds of visitors, as we held a two-day big birthday bash in his honour.

As part of the celebrations visitors took part in an orang trail around the zoo’s 40-acre site, as well as trying their luck on an orang-themed raffle as we raised money for our £800,000 orangutan appeal to build a new outdoor enclosure for our four Bornean great apes.

Visitors also flocked to sign his birthday card and enjoyed slices of birthday cake which featured a photo of the birthday boy himself with his beloved bread crate!

If you’re visiting today make sure you stop by the orangutan house and wish Benji a very special day in his decorated den!

Or why not consider sending him a birthday present by contributing to our Justgiving appeal and texting DZ0037 then the amount to 70070.

Did you know…

Benji was born at Duisburg Zoo in Germany in 1977, before transferring to Wuppertal Zoo in Germany the following year.  He relocated to Dublin Zoo in 1994, before heading to DZG in 1996 where he’s charmed keepers with his many quirks!