Milwaukee County Zoo's beloved orangutan dies

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by Becky Mortensen

Story Created: Dec 29, 2012 at 9:35 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jan 7, 2013

MILWAUKEE---The Milwaukee County Zoo announced the death of one of its most popular animals Saturday morning.

Mahal the Bornean orangutan youngster died unexpectedly around 8:30 a.m. in his indoor exhibit.

Mahal was just 5-years-old.

The Zoo's veterinary personnel believe the cause of death was pneumonia, as orangutans are susceptible to this serious respiratory condition

Mahal had been showing signs of slight illness on Thursday, and veterinarians and keepers attempted to administer medication and food to Mahal.

The vets at Milwaukee County Zoo intend to do an animal autopsy to determine the exact cause of Mahal's death.

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