Singapore Zoo's icon Ah Meng turns 6 with cake and party

SINGAPORE - There was some important 'monkey business' to attend to at the Singapore Zoo today, as its animal icon, Ah Meng, turned six.

The orangutan was given a surprise party with a birthday cake and an excited crowd of visitors serenading her with the 'Happy Birthday' song, the Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) said in a statement.

She enjoyed a carrot cake topped with macadamia and cashew nut icing and blueberries. "The non-dairy and low-sugar confection made for a sweet yet healthy treat," WRS explained.

Read also: Granddaughter of original Ah Meng to be Zoo's new animal ambassador

The celebration was also streamed live online at WRS' Facebook page, allowing online fans to join the festivities.

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/wrs.sg/videos/10154210268237051/[/embed]

Ah Meng was born as Ishta on Mar 8, 2011. She is the granddaughter of the original Ah Meng, who died in 2008.

She took the name Ah Meng after she was chosen to be the zoo's animal icon in February last year ahead of five other Sumatran orangutans.

According to WRS, she is a mainstay and favourite among visitors during the zoo's dining programme and photography sessions.

Read also: How to spot an orangutan in Malaysia - responsibly

seanyap@sph.com.sg