orangutans
Borneo's shaggy primates
Orangutans are large, long-armed apes native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra.
They have shaggy reddish-brown hair and spend most of their lives in trees.
The name comes from Malay words meaning "person of the forest." Orangutans are among the most intelligent primates, known for using tools and problem-solving.
The orangutans at the zoo drew crowds with their antics.
Higher mammal order member
- apeTailless higher primate
- mammalWarm-blooded, milk-producing animal
- arborealOf or in trees
- opposable thumbsDigits that press against fingers
cheek pads · throat pouch · long arms · red fur · solitary · frugivore · nest building · knuckle-walking
At risk of extinction
- critically endangeredAt extinction's edge
- deforestationLarge-scale woodland elimination
- palm oilTropical fruit-derived cooking fat
- habitat lossElimination of living spaces
poaching · rehabilitation · sanctuary · protected species · wildlife trade · rescue center · reintroduction · captive breeding
Southeast Asian mega-island
- SumatraIndonesian island, sixth largest
- rainforestWet tropical woodland ecosystem
- canopyOverhead protective covering
- tropicalOf hot, humid regions
Indonesia · Malaysia · trees · jungle · Southeast Asia · riparian · montane · forest floor
Mental ability, cognitive capacity
- problem-solvingAddressing challenges methodically
- tool useManipulating objects purposefully
- nest buildingAssembling a shelter for young
- foragingSeeking wild food sources
communication · facial expression · play · learning · memory · culture · social learning · curiosity
Locally transmitted ancestral understanding
- folkloreInherited cultural narratives
- wildlife tourismTravel to see animals
- ecotourismConservation-minded nature tourism
- documentaryFactual film about reality
primate
Higher mammal order member
opposable thumbs · cheek pads · throat pouch · long arms · red fur · solitary · frugivore · nest building · knuckle-walking · gestation
endangered
At risk of extinction
- critically endangeredAt extinction's edge
- deforestationLarge-scale woodland elimination
- palm oilTropical fruit-derived cooking fat
habitat loss · poaching · rehabilitation · sanctuary · protected species · wildlife trade · rescue center · reintroduction · captive breeding · population decline
Borneo
Southeast Asian mega-island
- SumatraIndonesian island, sixth largest
- rainforestWet tropical woodland ecosystem
- canopyOverhead protective covering
tropical · Indonesia · Malaysia · trees · jungle · Southeast Asia · riparian · montane · forest floor · vines
intelligence
Mental ability, cognitive capacity
- problem-solvingAddressing challenges methodically
- tool useManipulating objects purposefully
- nest buildingAssembling a shelter for young
foraging · communication · facial expression · play · learning · memory · culture · social learning · curiosity · patience
indigenous knowledge
Locally transmitted ancestral understanding
- folkloreInherited cultural narratives
- wildlife tourismTravel to see animals
- ecotourismConservation-minded nature tourism
documentary · nature photography · symbolic · David Attenborough
- IndonesiaIndonesia, Java, Sumatra, Indonesian, Borneo
- hominidshuman, humans, chimpanzee, chimpanzees, gorilla
- living thingsplants, animals, animal, creature, birds
- mammalsbears, bats, sheep, cats, anteater
- wildlifewhite-tailed deer, birds, mammals, elephant, reptiles
- conservationconservation, wildlife, endangered, habitat, sanctuary
orangutansgorillas
Largest living primates
chimpanzees · bonobos · mountain gorillas · baboons · humans
- orangutan sanctuaryShelter for rescued primates