A MAGICIAN who famously partnered with an orangutan to demonstrate a seemingly impossible card trick paid tribute to his former “assistant” after the great ape died.

The long-limbed primate, Rajang, was 50 when he died at Colchester Zoo last week.

For years he drew crowds to the Essex zoo in the U.K. and was even branded a lucky charm after he kissed a pregnant woman’s baby bump after she previously suffered six miscarriages.

Two years ago he featured in a mind-blowing video alongside Essex magician Matt G., who placed a playing card against the glass of Rajang’s enclosure.

Rajang was transfixed as the trickster shuffled a deck of cards before placing the ace of diamonds against the enclosure window.

The performer placed both of his hand on top of the card to “transport” it through the glass.

A mesmerized Rajang slowly realized the card was now on his side of the glass and peeled it off with one of his huge hands.

After examining the card the orangutan stuck it back on the glass and seemed to try to repeat the trick and transport it back through the glass by tapping it with a stick.

Commenting on Rajang’s death, Matt G. — who has not revealed how he did the trick — wrote on Facebook, “Such sad news.

“This guy gave me a moment in magic I will never forget. Sleep tight big fella.”

His death was met with sadness, and among those to pay tribute was mom Nina Marston, whose baby bump the orangutan famously kissed when she was pregnant.

After suffering the heartbreak of six miscarriages, the 37-year-old went on to give birth to a healthy baby girl named Elizabeth.

Nina told Essex Live, “I’ve been going to the zoo since I was 4 and 5 and Rajang was always my favorite.

“I go to the zoo probably once or twice a year now. I used to go along with my sister-in-law and I got her really involved in loving the zoo and Rajang, and I saw him each time I went.”

Rajang’s keeper previously described him as “loving to be involved” and “imitate people.”

He was hand-reared by keepers after the death of his mother when he was a baby and it is thought this is where his fascination with copying humans comes from.

Rajang passed away after suffering from chronic arthritis and other health problems that come with old age, the Mirror reported.

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 made to end his suffering and put him to sleep. (SD-Agencies)