Did you know that the name “orangutan” comes from the Malay words meaning “person of the forest”? That’s right, these intelligent primates are known as the people of the forest! Orangutans share nearly 97% of their DNA with humans, making them one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.
As the largest tree-dwelling mammals, orangutans have long, powerful arms that can span over 7 feet! They use these arms, along with their hook-shaped hands, to swing effortlessly from branch to branch high up in the rainforest canopy.
There are three different species of orangutans – the Bornean, Sumatran, and Tapanuli.
Each has its own unique features and adaptations to the specific environments they call home. Did you know that some male orangutans develop large cheek pads? Scientists think these help them attract a mate!
Orangutans are super smart. They have been seen using tools in the wild and can even learn to communicate with humans using sign language! Their intelligence helps them find food in the forest. Orangutans eat over 300 kinds of fruits, leaves, bark and insects. They sometimes even eat eggs!
Baby orangutans have a very special bond with their moms. They ride on their mother’s body as she moves through the trees and spend 6-7 years learning important skills they’ll need to survive on their own. That’s one of the longest childhoods in the animal kingdom!
Sadly, orangutans are critically endangered. Their forest homes are being cut down to make room for things like palm oil plantations. People also sometimes hunt them illegally or capture them to sell as pets.
With these Awesome Orangutan Fun Facts Printable, you can help spread the word about how special and important these amazing apes are! Sharing what you know is the first step in helping to protect orangutans and their rainforest homes.
