Michelle, an orangutan at the R.A. Shilo Novosibirsk Zoo, celebrated her 16th birthday on June 8. The zoo released a video of Michelle with her partner, Batu, to mark the occasion.
Michelle arrived at the Novosibirsk Zoo in 2017 from the Moscow Zoo. Keepers noted that Michelle and Batu formed a bond almost immediately.
Born on June 8, 2009, Michelle is a Bornean orangutan. She and Batu are parents to a daughter named Julia, who resides in a separate enclosure at the zoo.
In related news from the Novosibirsk Zoo, a new large aviary featuring various bird species has opened in the “Small Khrusty” complex, near the amusement park.