OVER a year after undergoing a groundbreaking medical procedure, new vision released by Sydney Zoo shows Santan, a beloved orangutan, climbing, exploring and moving independently once again.
The recovery demonstrates the remarkable long-term success of a world-first multi-joint radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure.
The footage captures Santan returning to elevated platforms and engaging more actively with enrichment activities following treatment for chronic pain caused by severe arthritis.
His ongoing recovery highlights the potential for innovative veterinary care to significantly improve quality of life for animals living with chronic conditions.
Prior to treatment, Santan's arthritis had significantly limited his mobility, affecting his ability to climb, forage and interact within his habitat.
Today, keepers report a dramatic transformation, with Santan once again regularly using ropes and elevated structures, while showing renewed curiosity and engagement with his surroundings.
Dr Kresen Pillay, Manager of Veterinary Services at Sydney Zoo, said the outcome from Santan's surgery has exceeded expectations and is a result of human and animal medical professionals coming together.
"This procedure has given Santan a level of comfort and mobility we hadn't seen in him in years. He's climbing again, exploring his habitat and displaying behaviours that reflect a significant improvement in his overall wellbeing. Seeing Santan thrive has made this collaboration across a wide team of medical professionals from different fields so truly rewarding."
For the primate care team, the transformation has been deeply fulfilling. Lou Grossfeldt, Primate Manager at Sydney Zoo, said seeing Santan regain confidence and independence had been one of the most meaningful moments of her career.
"Watching him climb again after such a long period of being unable was incredible. He's more curious, more active and far more engaged with his surroundings - it's like he's rediscovered parts of his personality that had previously been limited by pain,” said Lou.
“We are proud of the robust welfare system we have in place at Sydney Zoo, where the needs of our animals are always the highest priority."
The procedure adapted radiofrequency ablation - a pain management technique commonly used in human medicine - for use in a great ape, requiring close collaboration between veterinary specialists and orthopaedic surgeons.
Dr Paul Thornton-Bott, who assisted with the operation, said the case demonstrates how advances in human healthcare can translate into improvements for wildlife.
"Applying this technology to a great ape required careful planning and expertise across multiple disciplines. The results highlight the potential beyond Santan for innovative treatments that could significantly improve quality of life for other great apes in human care," he said.
Sydney Zoo says Santan's recovery reflects its ongoing commitment to proactive animal healthcare, helping animals living with chronic conditions continue to live comfortably and express natural behavior.
The new footage of Santan climbing and interacting confidently throughout his habitat is a powerful example of how advanced veterinary medicine can transform outcomes for animals in human care.
About Sydney Zoo
Sydney Zoo opened on December 6th, 2019, and is a world class zoo in the heart of Western Sydney. Home to over 150 species across five precincts, Sydney Zoo has fast become one of Sydney’s most popular attractions. Sydney Zoo offers an immersive guest experience that connects people with wildlife from around the world, while promoting conservation and Aboriginal culture through its Bungarribee Dreaming experience. Sydney Zoo is located off the Great Western Highway in Bungarribee, 40 minutes from the CBD.
