SYDNEY, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The oldest orangutan in the world, Puan, has died aged 62 on Monday at Western Australia's Perth Zoo.

Thought to be born in 1956, the female Sumatran Orangutan was euthanized after her health rapidly declined due to her advanced years.

Saddened visitors and staff members gathered to pay tribute to the beloved primate, which was one of the zoo's favorite attractions.

"She did so much for the colony at Perth Zoo and the survival of her species," Perth Zoo primate supervisor Holly Thompson said.

"Apart from being the oldest member of our colony, she was also the founding member of our world renowned breeding program and leaves an incredible legacy."

During her life Puan had 11 children and her 54 descendants are now spread throughout the world's zoos as well as the jungles of Sumatra.

As a result, her genetics account for around 10 percent of the global captive population.