Behaviour

Behaviour

The orangutan is the only strictly arboreal ape and the largest tree-living mammal in the world.

Although other apes do climb and build sleeping nests in the trees, they are primarily terrestrial (spending their lives on the ground).

Even the bright reddish-brown hair colour is unique to the orangutan.

They have the most remarkable ability to travel through the forest treetops. Each night building a new nest out of leaves and branches in the very tops of the trees – sometimes as much as 100 feet above the ground.

Almost all of the food they eat grow in the treetops and the frequent rains fill the leaves, supplying them with drinking water.

When water is difficult to find, they chew leaves to make a sponge to soak up the droplets in tree cavities. Although, when it rains hard, they might make an umbrella for out of big leaves.

Some might say orangutans have four hands instead of two hands and two feet.

These appendages make them graceful and agile while climbing through the trees, but makes walking on the ground somewhat slow and awkward. This is why they are at a great disadvantage on the ground, and rarely comes down from the treetops.

Recent studies show that some orangutans fashion tools to aid in the difficult task of foraging for food and have even been observed using sticks to catch fishing lines.
           

Orangutans emit a variety of calls and vocalisation including the ‘long call’ of males to attract females or discourage other males and the kiss-squeak, often made when observers get too close.

To hear these and other calls, visit the Zurich’s University Anthropological Institute & Museum here.

For recent news articles on orangutan behaviour, click here.

Back to:

Orangutan Facts

Biology

Diet

Photos: Sue Floyed, Fleur Butcher

How Can You Help

There are lots of ways you can support orangutans and help ensure the survival of this precious ape.

Adopt an Orangutan

Adopt an Orangutan

Orangutans are endangered and at risk of extinction. Habitat destruction results in hundreds of orphaned orangutans, who rely on our care every year. You can help by adopting one. Their dedicated ‘nannies’ teach them everything they need to know for when it’s time to release them back to the wild. You can follow their progress through Forest School.

Adopt Now
Make a Donation

Make a Donation

Please help the Orangutans in their struggle for survival. Your donation is important and goes directly to BOS Indonesia. By donating, you are helping bring this noble yet endangered species back from the brink of extinction and on a path to freedom - from rescue to rehabilitation and release.

Donate Now
Visit Our Shop

Visit Our Shop

The perfect gift for any occasion! Choose from our selection of instant gifts that directly support our orangutans. You can buy a wheelbarrow, provide food for an orangutan for two months or lots more. You will receive a certificate, personalised with the name of your choice - perfect gift for you or a friend.

Shop Now