Houston Zoo announces passing of longtime resident primate Rudi Valentino: 'Over the years, he won the hearts of countless volunteers, guests and staff'

The Houston Zoo is mourning the loss of one of its longtime resident orangutans, per reports from Houston-based media outlets. 

Rudi Valentino died at the age of 45, having earned the distinction as the oldest orangutan in North America, Houston ABC affiliate KTRK reported.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rudi Valentino, North America’s oldest male orangutan,” the Houston Zoo tweeted. “He passed away just a few days after turning 45.”

According to the Houston Zoo, it took in Rudi in 1978. 

“Over the years, he won the hearts of countless volunteers, guests and staff,” its tweet continued. “Rudi had advanced heart disease, which is a common problem in adult male orangutans. Up until the time of his death, it was very well managed with careful monitoring and medications.” 

KTRK reported that Rudi marked what would become his last birthday on Thursday, Dec. 8.

Houston CBS affiliate KHOU reported that Rudi was born in 1977 at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville. 

The first 13 years of his life were spent at the Houston Zoo before he moved to the Milwaukee Zoo in 1991, KHOU reported. 

After two years up north, Rudi returned to Houston on a permanent basis in 1993.

Tarah Cornelius, the zoo’s director of animal care, hailed the primate as “an incredible ambassador for his species,” Houston NBC affiliate KPRC reported.

“Rudi will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his memory will live on through the lives he touched and the important work he inspired,” Cornelius said, KPRC reported. “He will always be remembered as a beloved member of the Houston Zoo family.” 

According to the station, Rudy leaves behind a companion, Kelly, and his other fellow orangutans, Takai, Cheyenne and Aurora.