A magician has described the amazing "light bulb moment" when he performed a card trick with the late Rajang the orangutan at Colchester Zoo.
Matt G, an award winning mentalist and magician from Canvey Island, performed the trick with lovable Rajang back in October 2016.
With the orangutan paying full attention, Matt places the card against the window and holds it down with his hand.
A few moments later a puzzled Rajang puts his hand out and realises the card is now inside his enclosure.
He picks up the card and places it back on the window and tries to use the stick in his hand to push the card back through- much to Matt's amazement.
The 'light bulb' moment
"When I went to the window, he came straight up and I performed the trick. It was fantastic I couldn't believe how he tried to push the card back through, it just shows how intelligent he was," Matt said.
"I couldn't prepare for what happened, it was so unexpected. In that moment, you could see the light bulb switching on in his mind when he realised he could touch the card. We've never done a trick that interactive before."
Colchester Zoo sadly announced the death of 50-year-old Rajang, who passed away after suffering from chronic arthritis and other health problems that come with old age.
In the last few months, Rajang's condition worsened and he began experiencing periods of losing focus similar to that of a degenerating neurological condition.
Despite best efforts from the veterinary team, Rajang's condition inevitably further deteriorated and the difficult decision was taken to end his suffering and put him to sleep.
Rajang was one of the most popular residents with both staff and visitors- including Matt.
"I always used to go there just to see Raj, he was just amazing and really funny to watch. Other animals, you can take them or leave them but Raj is a must visit. If you were the first person there, he would come out straight away to the window.
"He was obsessed with belly buttons and tattoos and would try and use his stick to pull up people's tops through the glass.
"When we were organising the trick, I met with the zoo owner who said I could choose any animal within reason as along as it was doable. I said I would like to perform it with one of the orangutans.
"I had never done anything like it before so I didn't know how he would react to it. I only had one shot and the zoo keepers couldn't force him to participate, so we weren't sure whether he was just going to ignore it."
But to Matt's amazement, Rajang reacted in the most charming way and the video soon went viral securing 110 million views in total and even featuring on Japanese TV.
'For as long as I live, I will never forget'
Since Rajang's recent death, Matt noticed a spike in the video once again as thousands of people tuned in to watch the lovable ape.
Thousands of people took to social media to pay their tributes to Rajang with Matt posting on his Facebook page: "Such sad news. This guy gave me a moment in magic I will never forget. Sleep tight big fella."
Matt continued: "With my brother working at the zoo, he passed on the news and it was just absolutely gutting. He was one of the main characters at the zoo and everyone loved visiting him there.
"I have performed thousands of times and remember little bits of pieces of shows but this is something, for as long as I live, I will never forget. That reaction can never be replicated."
Following his death, thousands took to Colchester Zoo's Facebook post, to share their fond memories of Rajang. One person wrote: "So heartbreaking to hear! He was a true king of the swingers and a king among men.
"Shame to see him go, I always had fond memories of visiting him on school trips and learning the importance of conservation efforts to keep orangutans and their habitats alive.
"Rest in peace you gentle giant."
Another wrote: "This is literally the saddest news! I've got a lump in my throat and tears streaming down my face.
"I was honored to get to meet Rajang last year and give him a big cup of tea (even if I did feed him a little fast and make him splutter a bit). It's because of Rajang that I love orangutans so much.
'He touched our souls'
"He connected with me and my middle daughter in 2011 and we have loved him and orangutans ever since. He touched our souls when he looked back at us with those deep brown eyes and he really moved me.
"I always remember him being at the zoo since I was a little girl. He was always near the entrance. He may not have had any children but his legacy will always live on in those who remember and love him. RIP Rajang, you beautiful boy."
Visitors of the zoo shared fond memories of Rajang including him kissing pregnant bellies and playing 'Peek-a-boo' with children.
Another person said he had a "beautiful soul": "I have great memories of first meeting you as a child with my mum, watching people throwing bananas in & you passing them to others.
"I have grown up with you for 29 years! You're a beautiful soul. Thoughts are with your keepers. Such a horrible day!"
Colchester Zoo announced the sad news about Rajang on Wednesday and shared some special memories they have had of him.
They said: "All the animals in our care have their individual personalities which we all fall in love with but Rajang was one of a kind with a personality so unique, fascinating, loving and interesting.
"Rajang always had a twinkle in his eye and despite orangutans not having the same facial muscles to express their emotions the way in which humans do, Rajang communicated with his keepers and visitors through his beautiful eyes and expressions he would make with his mouth.
"Rajang always showed interest in people, and no doubt there will be a number of pregnant visitors who experienced Rajang ‘kissing’ their baby bumps, something he became world famous for through viral videos.
Rajang's legacy
"Rajang would also copy his keepers’ actions, so much so that they would give him similar utensils to be able to fulfil the actions he was seeing; Rajang cleaned his own windows and also done some gardening by putting a plant in a flower pot after watching the gardener! It’s moments like these that we will treasure forever."
Thousands of people shared their pictures and stories they had with Rajang who has been a resident at the zoo since 1980.
One person commented: "Always the highlight of my visit, I could spend ages just watching him doing nothing yet be spellbound by it. Rest well Raj," while another said: "Rajang, you were beautiful and gentle and you were literally my dream come true when I met you in April! RIP buddy."
Rajang celebrated his 50th birthday on June 14 this year and to mark this special occasion the zoo commissioned an artist to draw a limited-edition portrait of Rajang, which are now available to purchase from their gift shop.
To ensure visitors of the zoo remember Rajang, Colchester Zoo are going to site a special book at Orangutan Forest where people are encouraged to write down their fondest memories of Rajang.
In the near future they will be renaming Orangutan Forest to include Rajang’s name to ensure his legacy lives on and the gardens by All Saints Church, will also be dedicated to him.
