Chimpanzees

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About Orangutan

Bornean orangutans live in the trees in the tropical island rain forests from lowland swamps to high in the mountains of Borneo. Unlike other great apes, orangutans are solitary by nature; this may be related to their need for large quantities of fruit, which are dispersed throughout the forest.

A Closer Look

Even though they are able to walk upright for short distances, orangutans travel mostly by brachiating (swinging from one branch to another by the arms) through trees. In Jungala at Busch Gardens Tampa, orangutans traverse different areas of their habitat via tall “o-lines” connected to shaded towers.

Ask an Educator

Q: How much of their day do orangutans spend resting?

BG: Orangutans rest about 40 percent of the day and spend the other part of the day foraging,  or searching for fruit, leaves, flowers, bark and insects.

 

Q: Are orangutans endangered?

BG:  Yes, Bornean and Sumatran orangutans are endangered due to habitat loss and human encroachment. You can help conserve the wild regions that orangutans home by limiting or eliminating use of palm oil products.

 

Q: How big are orangutans?

A: The long-haired primates are the world’s largest arboreal (tree-dwelling) mammals, weighing up to 200 pounds.