Popi

Birthday: April 23, 1971

Born and Lived Where: Popi was was born at Yerkes National Regional Primate Center in Atlanta. She later became involved in the entertainment industry, and her history prior to moving to Great Ape Trust is unclear. She had lived at Steve Martin’s Working Wildlife, Frazier Park, Calif., before her move to Des Moines in October 2008.

Favorite Foods: Grapes, ripe mango, banana

Favorite Toys: Cups and waterfilled bucket

Favorite Companions: Human caretakers

Favorite Activities: Popi enjoys sitting in the sun and playing with warm water, pouring it from cup to cup. She also enjoys catalogs and likes to shred them to make her nest.

How much does Popi weigh?

Popi weighs 140 pounds

What makes Popi unique?

Popi’s background makes her very unique. She was one of the orangutans starring opposite Clint Eastwood in the blockbuster movie Any Which Way You Can in the 1980s, and was also part of animal trainer Bobby Berosini’s Las Vegas floor show. Becase of her background, she can be shy around people and other orangutans.

What is Popi’s disposition?

Popi is very observant and also very sensitive to auditory input. She is quiet and shy about being touched.