Ozon the Orangutan: Indonesia’s Unexpected Smoking Star
Just when you thought 2018 would be a quiet year for wildlife drama, a 22‑year‑old Bornean orangutan named Ozon hit the internet—smoking a cigarette with the confidence of a seasoned barista.
How It All Started
During a calm Sunday walk at Bandung Zoo, a visitor tossed a cigarette butt into Ozon’s enclosure. The curious primate didn’t just pick it up; it sat down, took a puff, and carried on as if caffeine was an everyday ritual.
Why The World Went Viral
- Video footage of Ozon’s “smoking session” captured the public’s imagination.
- The clip was shared wildly online, sparking conversations about animal behavior and human responsibility.
- It highlighted a bizarre intersection: Indonesia’s high smoking rate and the vulnerability of zoo animals.
Past Episodes & Zoo Oversight
Ozon isn’t the first primate to get hooked on nicotine in Indonesia. In 2012, another zoo ape had to quit cold‑turf after repeatedly snatching cigarette butts.
The Bandung Zoo spokesperson, Sulhan, expressed disappointment but explained that staff routinely patrol the premises:
“There’s a sign that says visitors can’t hand food or cigarettes to the animals,” said Sulhan. “The staff who had the responsibility was likely busy in the bathroom at the moment.”
Activists Respond
Animal welfare groups slammed the visitor’s act, calling it a reflection of the zoo’s lax security and overall poor conditions.
“Weak control by zoo management must be addressed,” asserted Marison Guciano, founder of the Indonesia Animal Welfare Society. “We lack proper animal welfare standards. Most zoos suffer from inadequate cages, poor feeding regimes, and overall substandard animal care.”
Public Outcry & Future Calls
Last year, activists demanded that Bandung Zoo shut down after skeletal sun bears were seen begging for food—and even eating their own droppings. The Ozon smoking incident has reignited discussions about stringent zoo regulations and humane treatment of captive wildlife.
In short, Ozon’s short, smoky venture has left both Indonesians and the global community pondering: How do we protect our animal friends while holding humans accountable for their actions?
