Melbourne Zoo to build ‘meccano-like’ gym for orang-utans

A “Meccano-like’ gym will be built for orang-utans at Melbourne Zoo, with keepers coming up with the innovative idea to solve an age-old issue — teenage boys struggling with their physicality.

Melbourne Zoo’s orang-utan keepers have come up with an innovative solution to an age-old issue — teenage boys struggling with their physicality.

A new “Meccano-like” gym is being built for the zoo’s six Sumatran orang-utans at the edge of the sanctuary.

The steel structure of boxes and poles is expected to most benefit the zoo’s growing teen, Malu, now 15.

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Harna Burton, the zoo’s primates life sciences manager, said the gym would create a fun and exploratory space for all the playful primates, especially Malu.

“He can be disruptive but he’s a teenager so we need to find a space suitable for a teenage male. We are already fulfilling all the orang-utans’ needs but this is something extra.’’

The gym, inspired by the zoo’s primate team of 17 staff, will complement the exhibit’s three other spaces — the open enclosure, the closed netted space and indoor day room.

Melbourne Zoo male orang-utan Malu, 15, shows off his rope swinging skills. Picture: David Caird

Malu shows off his muscles, which he hopes to build up in a planned gym. Picture: David Caird

The new area will also act as an outdoor retreat, Ms Burton said.

The gym is being built off-site and is expected to be installed next month.

Keeper Alex Ward has a construction background and was able to help design and draw plans for the structure.

“It’s a bit like a giant Meccano set for them to explore,’’ he said.

Malu was born at the zoo in 2003 and made headlines in 2015 when he briefly escaped from the enclosure, sparking a shutdown of the Parkville site.

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