Orangutan Phryne, apes and humans

Introduction. In the article the life of a female orangutan named "Phryne" is described. Phryne lived in the Moscow Zoo in 1927–1937. Now her body, preserved by taxidermy, is kept in the Museum of Anthropology of the Lomonosov Moscow State University. The experience of keeping monkeys and apes in captivity can explain the influence of nutrition, restriction of mobility, deprivation on the physical and mental health of human. Materials and methods. Materials from scientific and popular publications, as well as archival materials are used in this work. Analytical and chronological research methods were used. Results. Data on Phryne's physical development and blood counts are given in the article. Phryne had such traits of character as curiosity and attachment to the keeper, among others. The article contains information of her skills and abilities, favorite games and relationships with other apes and with people. In December 1933 a fire occurred in the monkey house. The female chimpanzee Mimosa and the male orangutan Moritz died from carbon monoxide. Phryne was the only one left. She died in 1937 of dysentery at the age of ten. Conclusion. Phryne was a true legend of the Moscow Zoo, she was often written about in newspapers, photos were published. The experience in keeping her made an invaluable contribution to the development of Russian primatology. Phryne was stuffed by the famous taxidermist N.K. Nazimov.