Nias The 'Queen Bee' Of Denver Zoo's Great Apes Exhibit Dies Unexpectedly

The Denver Zoo has lost the matriarch of their Sumatran orangutan family. Nias died unexpectedly on December 17, 2020. She was 32 years old.

The zoo confirmed her death in a Facebook post. According to 9NEWS, Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Services is currently working to determine a cause of death.

"Nia was known as the 'Queen Bee' of the Zoo's Great Apes exhibit," they wrote. "Her keepers knew not to give a treat to another orangutan if they didn't plan on giving one to Nias, and her mate, Berani, always followed her lead."

Nias was a mom to two daughters, Hesty and Cerah.

Cindy Cossaboon, the Great Apes Keeper and longtime friend of Nias, wrote a tribute published on the Denver Zoo's website.

"When Nias accepted you into her circle, she was truly a silly, goofy girl. She had the cutest giggle and she knew I loved it. She would somersault and do headstands all while giggling away," wrote Cossaboon. "Queen Bee was a nickname, but it was also Nias' personality. We worked for her, and she knew it."

Nias first arrived at the Denver Zoo in 2005 at the age of 17.

"Her keepers say Nias was a wonderful mate to Berani, a loving mother to Cerah and Hesty, and a silly, fiercely loyal friend to her care team. She will be dearly missed by the Zoo's staff, volunteers, and guests."

Photo: Getty Images