Granddaughter of Ah Meng named S’pore Zoo’s new ambassador
Formerly known as Ishta, the new Ah Meng steps into her grandmother's footprints to continue the legacy left behind by the original icon. Photo: Wee Teck Hian
SINGAPORE — Eight years after Ah Meng the orangutan died, Singapore Zoo hopes to recapture the beloved ape’s spirit and appeal by renaming her granddaughter after her, and crowning the five-year-old as its new icon.
The new Ah Meng, previously known as Ishta, was chosen from among five other living descendants of the late ape.
“Orangutans have been synonymous with the Singapore Zoo from the day our gates opened … It is fitting that her (Ah Meng’s) legacy endures through her kin, so we can continue talking to people about the threats facing Asia’s only great ape,” Mr Mike Barclay, the chief executive of Wildlife Reserves Singapore, which manages the zoo, told a press conference.
To mark the birth of a new icon, a series of illustrations that capture various facets of the new Ah Meng’s personality have been developed. They will be used in communication materials to link the zoo’s conservation efforts with its living collection.
“Through having Ishta taking on Ah Meng’s name, there’s a lot we can do to promote not only the challenges for our great apes, but for many other species which are endangered in our region,” said Mr Barclay.
Like her grandmother, the new Ah Meng will also have breakfast and take photos with visitors — although they will not be able to get as close and personal as they might have with her predecessor.
“We are trying to move towards natural behaviours ... I think it’s a very good thing for the animals,” said Mr Kumaran Sesshe, head keeper of great apes at the zoo.
The new Ah Meng shares some similarities with her grandmother, such as her docile nature, a liking for durians, friendliness and an obsession with hygiene.
“(Ah Meng) is very tolerant, because when we see her playing in the field with the others, some of them pull her fur or tug at her — (but) she doesn’t show aggression — that’s the most important thing in being an ambassador of the zoo,” said Mr Kumaran.
Of the eight-year wait to bring back Ah Meng’s name, Mr Barclay said: “It felt inappropriate to pass on Ah Meng’s name immediately after (she) passed away.”
In response to media queries about the conditioning methods used to get the new Ah Meng to respond to her new name, Mr Kumaran said they will use “a lot of positive reinforcement”, such as food rewards.
“It’s just a matter of time before the new Ah Meng knows that she is becoming the next diva,” he added.
