Orangutans

Found only in the jungles of Borneo and Sumatra, these large primates are the only solitary great apes. These highly-intelligent animals are a close relative of humans. In fact, orangutan is a Malay word which means “person of the forest.” Orangutans are characterized by their tangled mass of orange hair and their long arms, which make them well suited to a life spent in the treetops. Orangutans forage for fruit, leaves, bark, and insects in the forest canopy, rarely making contact with the ground.

Females give birth every eight years and remain with their offspring for more than six years, teaching them everything they need to know to survive on their own. Males are more solitary, howling and rumbling as they swing through the forest, so others know to stay out of their way.

Making it Happen

Agriculture, deforestation, hunting, and the pet trade have had a devastating impact on orangutan numbers. With an estimated 40,000 orangutans left in the wild, and declining rapidly, you should try to see our fascinating cousins sooner rather than later.

Because orangutans live only on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, which are both plagued by deforestation, not to mention they are critically endangered. So an encounter with free-ranging orangutans remains one of the world’s most exciting wildlife encounters.

Despite their sparse populations, these shaggy primates can be spotted fairly easily at the protected parks and preserves where they make their home. The Danum Valley Conservation Area and the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary are both located in Sabah, Malaysia on the island of Borneo. Both preserves protect an abundance of wildlife, including several species of monkeys and the pygmy elephant. In Sumatra, your best bet for viewing the apes will be in Gunung Leuser National Park, where they can be spotted on feeding platforms and along forest trails.