WITH the news Colchester Zoo has welcomed the long-awaited arrival of its new Bornean orangutans Mali and Tatau we thought it was a good time to look back at the life of the attraction's most famous former resident, beloved by residents across the town.

Over four decades, Rajang the orangutan become one of the most beloved and iconic animals at Colchester Zoo, delighting keepers and visitors alike with his personality.

Sadly Rajang passed away in December 2018 at the age of 50.

He had called the Maldon Road attraction his home for almost 40 years, moving in back in 1980.

When he had to be put to sleep due to worsening health, all those who loved the zoo were affected by his loss.

Remembering former Colchester Zoo resident Rajang the orangutan. Picture: Colchester Zoo

Remembering former Colchester Zoo resident Rajang the orangutan. Picture: Colchester Zoo

Over his time at the zoo, visitors and staff alike fell in love with the great ape, who was receiving treatment for chronic arthritis and several other conditions by the time of his death.

In the latter stages of his long and happy life, the orangutan became a star of social media, with videos of him kissing visitors' baby bumps going viral online.

Gazette readers shared their memories of him with us.

Some said they had been visiting him for decades, whilst others said he had helped them through sad days during their childhood.

Read more:

Following his death, the zoo paid tribute to him.

A spokesman said: "All the animals in our care have their individual personalities which we all fall in love with but Rajang was one of a kind with a personality so unique, fascinating, loving and interesting.

"Rajang always had a twinkle in his eye and despite Orangutans not having the same facial muscles to express their emotions the way in which humans do, Rajang communicated with his keepers and visitors through his beautiful eyes and expressions he would make with his mouth."

There have also been a number of developments at the zoo to honour Rajang since his passing.

The orangutan enclosure has, of course, been named Rajang's Forest in his honour.

A garden was also created in All Saint's Church in his memory featuring a memory cloud filled with words from visitors.

A bronze statue of the Rajang was commissioned before being installed in the garden.

Mali and Tatau, who arrived from Paigton Zoo in Devon, are now settling in to their new home at Rajang's Forest.

Keepers are sure they'll be firm favourites with the zoo's visitors.