Icon of Singapore Zoo dies

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Ah Meng, the orangutan hailed as an icon at Singapore Zoo and who featured in 30 films, died Friday at the age of 48, officials said.

The zoo plans to hold a memorial service for the renowned primate on Sunday. The cause of death was old age, the zoo said.

"We mourn the passing of Ah Meng," said Fanny Lai, head of a wildlife organization, citing the orangutan's "contributions in helping promote awareness of how each of us can play a role in conservation matters."

Originally from the Indonesian island of Sumatra, Ah Meng was confiscated in 1971 from a Chinese family illegally keeping her as a pet. She lived at the zoo since then.

The first to host the zoo's Breakfast with an Oranutan programme, she became a celebrity both locally and internationally. While visitors ate their breakfasts, Ah Meng enjoyed her favourite fruits and delicacies while captivating them with her antics.

Among the various luminaries to meet her was Britain's Prince Philip and singer Michael Jackson.

Zoo curator Alagappasany expressed his sadness over her death and recalled how glad he was "to have had the opportunity to take care of Ah Meng and her family all these years."

She was featured in more than 30 travel films and received a special award from the Singapore Tourism Board in 1992 in recognition for her contribution towards tourism in the city-state.

Ah Meng also contributed to the zoo's breeding programme. She had five children and became a grandmother in 1990. - Sapa-dpa