Posted In Animals, Events, Visitors | 7th August 2025

Dublin Zoo Welcomes New Orangutan and Unveils Heart-Warming Mural

Dublin Zoo is delighted to officially announce the arrival of Miri, a female adult Bornean orangutan. Miri, who is 34 years old, arrived from Duisburg Zoo in July and has been settling in extremely well, developing a friendship with 20‑year‑old Mujur, the other female Bornean orangutan in Dublin Zoo’s Orangutan Rainforest.

Visitors have been getting their first glimpses of Miri over the past few weeks, with her favourite spot to relax being at the very top of a tree in the habitat. Her arrival is the first step in rebuilding the much‑loved orangutan group at Dublin Zoo, following the passing of the Zoo’s beloved orangutan pair Sibu and Leonie in 2024 and 2025 respectively.

Sibu and Leonie had been inseparable companions for over 40 years, and their loss has been keenly felt by the Zoo’s staff, volunteers, and visitors. To ensure their legacy lives on, Dublin Zoo commissioned Wexford‑based artist James Kirwan to paint a mural commemorating Sibu and Leonie. The mural, which took four days to complete, is located just opposite the Orangutan Rainforest and is sure to spark fond memories for visitors who grew to love them over the decades. It depicts Sibu and Leonie at their most content – side by side.

To mark World Orangutan Day on 19th August, Dublin Zoo is offering a 25% discount on adult, child and family tickets for visitors wearing orange between 15th and 19th August or those who prebook for these dates via dublinzoo.ie using the discount code ORANG25.

In addition, from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th August between 11am and 4pm, Dublin Zoo’s team of volunteers will host an array of orangutan‑themed STEM activities throughout the Orangutan celebrations on-site at Dublin Zoo, giving visitors the chance to learn about conservation actions and gain up‑close insights into these incredible primates. Hands‑on experiences will include building a canopy nest, measuring up to a fully grown orangutan, trying rainforest experiments, and discovering how shopping choices impact Bornean rainforests.

Ciarán McMahon, Team Leader at Dublin Zoo, said:

“Welcoming Miri to Dublin Zoo is a truly special moment. We hope she will play a central role in shaping our new Bornean orangutan family, even as we remember Sibu and Leonie – the iconic pair who were at the heart of our orangutan group for more than 40 years. Since her arrival, Miri has settled in wonderfully and is already forming a close bond with Mujur. She’s an impressive character with a strong personality, and we’re excited for visitors to meet her and see her shine in the weeks and months ahead.”

Book your tickets online in advance. Use the promo code ORANG25 at our online ticket checkout.

*25% discount is only applicable on tickets booked online, or tickets purchased at the gate if wearing a piece of orange clothing, on Friday 15th, Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th, Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th of August. 25% discount applies to adult, child and family tickets only – discounted tickets, groups and concessions are not included.