You may have seen references to a lock-picking ape in the movies, but did you know that the story was based on real events? It happened right here in Nebraska in the late ’60s during what is now referred to as the Omaha Zoo orangutan escape, and the ape in question was a Sumatran orangutan named Fu Manchu.

(None of the photos below are of the real Fu Manchu. We hope you enjoy these pics of other male orangs.)

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Fu Manchu was transferred to the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas in 1983. He lived out the rest of his life there before passing away in 1992. We’re sure it was a happy life filled with good-natured mischief.

Did you get to visit Fu Manchu when he lived at the Omaha zoo? If so, what did you think? If not, have you been to the zoo to see the other wonderful animals there? We’d love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!

For more interesting facts about the zoo, read 15 Fascinating Things You Probably Didn’t Know About The Henry Doorly Zoo And Aquarium In Nebraska.

You might also want to check out this video about the wildlife found in Nebraska:

 

 

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More to Explore

Adventures in Nebraska

Where can we find hiking trails in Nebraska?

  • Ash Hollow State Park in Lewellen is where you’ll find the Windlass Hill Trail offering spectacular views.
  • Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge in Washington County features several miles of hiking trails right on the Missouri River.
  • The Branched Oak State Recreation Area in Raymond offers hiking as well as biking, and horse trails.

Read on to learn more about the many spectacular hiking trails in Nebraska.

 

Where can we go camping in Nebraska?

  • Johnson Lake State Recreation Area in Lexington offers primitive and modern camping sites.
  • Chadron State Park in Chadron offers cabins as well as a modern campground.
  • The Calamus Reservoir in Burwell offers some of the best camping in the state with scores of camping sites.

Read on to learn more about the many great places to go camping in Nebraska.

 

Where can we go fishing in Nebraska?

  • Box Butte Reservoir near Hemingford features walleye, crappie, trout, and several types of bass.
  • Branched Oak Lake in Malcolm is known for its excellent catfish varieties.
  • Burchard Lake in Pawnee County features bass, trout, crappie, catfish, and walleye.

Read on to learn about the many picturesque places to go fishing in Nebraska.

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