Fu Manchu, The Famed Orangutan Escape Artist, Learned To Pick Locks Right Here In Nebraska
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.)
Fu Manchu lived at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium from 1965 to 1983 - although at that time, it was known simply as the Henry Doorly Zoo.
Fu was known as a sweet, friendly, playful orangutan who loved to interact with other animals and his human keepers. He even helped the keepers at the zoo while they worked with the other orangutans.
But something odd started to happen in 1968. When the keepers arrived at the zoo, they would often find Fu Manchu and four of his enclosure-mates outside of their enclosure.
The group never caused trouble or tried to leave the zoo grounds; they just wanted to get out of their enclosure and hang out in other parts of the zoo. Their favorite spot was the elm trees near the elephant enclosure.
How were the apes escaping their enclosure again and again? The head keeper, one of the numerous animal keepers at the zoo, surmised that one of his staff was being careless and leaving a door unlocked. After it happened several more times, he was prepared to fire whoever was responsible.
One day, a keeper noticed some unexpected movement in the dry moat surrounding the orangutans' area.
Fu had been picking the lock to the enclosure using a piece of wire he'd found somewhere. To hide it, he would tuck the wire between his lip and his gums, taking it out only when he wanted to get out for a little excursion. Who would expect an orangutan escape artist?
It's not entirely shocking that Fu Manchu used a tool to get what he wanted.
Orangutans are known for being extremely intelligent (of course, there are other intelligent creatures at the zoo as well) and for using simple tools for various tasks. Although his lock-picking days were over, Fu remained a happy, friendly guy who went on to have 20 children and 15 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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!
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
