Orangutan Conservation

Orangutans are large, red-haired apes that live in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra in Southeast Asia. They are among the smartest animals on Earth. Sadly, their rainforest homes are being destroyed for palm oil plantations and logging. All three species of orangutans are critically endangered.

Losing Their Homes

The biggest threat to orangutans is the destruction of their rainforest habitat. Huge areas of forest are burned and cleared to plant palm oil trees. Palm oil is used in many foods, soaps, and other products. When the forest disappears, orangutans have nowhere to live and nothing to eat.

Rescue and Release

Conservation groups rescue orphaned baby orangutans and raise them in special schools. The babies learn how to climb, find food, and survive in the forest. When they are ready, they are released back into protected areas of rainforest. People can help by choosing products made with sustainable palm oil.

Fun Facts

• Orangutans share about 97 percent of their DNA with humans.
• Orangutans are the largest animals that live mainly in trees.
• Orangutans use leaves as umbrellas to keep dry when it rains!

Did You Know?

The word orangutan comes from the Malay language and means person of the forest!