Sydney Zoo orangutan Santan is climbing again after a more than a year recovery following groundbreaking surgery designed to address chronic pain. The zoo reports that Santan has returned to climbing activities, using ropes as part of its enrichment routine. According to coverage across outlets, the surgery was described as world-first and was aimed at relieving long-term discomfort, allowing the animal to regain normal movement and behaviour. Following the procedure, Santan undergoes ongoing care and monitoring as the zoo supports a gradual return to activity. The reports agree that Santan’s ability to climb again is a notable outcome of the earlier medical intervention and reflects the orangutan’s improved condition. Both articles focus on Santan’s rehabilitation progress, highlighting the use of climbing and rope-based enrichment as indicators that the surgery has had a positive effect on its day-to-day mobility and comfort. No additional details about the specific surgical method or timeline beyond the year-long recovery are provided in the excerpts.