Nest in Peace, Beautiful MJ

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We are deeply saddened by the passing this week of beautiful MJ, a remarkable orangutan who lived at the Milwaukee County Zoo.

MJ was part of the Orangutan Outreach family for many years. She and her adopted son Mahal (along with big papa Tommy) served as ambassadors for all the orphaned orangutans being cared for at rescue centers in Borneo and Sumatra. They were shining stars at our annual Mother's Day event MOM — Missing Orangutan Mothers. Even after Mahal's passing (nearly 3 years ago) MJ continued to represent her wild cousins to tens of thousands of zoo visitors not only on Mother's Day, but every day of the year. She was that kind of girl!

MJ was an avid painter and loved creating tie-dyed scarves and vibrant canvases. She was one of the original participants in our Apps for Apes program and loved spending time watching "This Old House" during her iPad enrichment sessions.

Our deepest condolences go out to everyone who knew MJ.... We take comfort knowing she is high in the canopy in the sky, reunited with her darling Mahal, making nests and swinging from tree to tree.... Nest in peace, MJ.... We miss you already.... {:(|}

Special thanks to Trish, Scott, Kim and all her keepers for making MJ feel so special.

Photos courtesy of Scott Engel & MCZ: