Bornean Orangutan

Bornean Orangutan Natural History

Size

The average height for males is 1.4 meters, weighing around 100 kg. Female orangutans are much smaller.

Habitat and Distribution

Bornean orangutans inhabit the canopy layer of primary and secondary tropical forests of Borneo in south east Asia. They swing from branch to branch using their long arms and usually build a new nest each night.

Age

Orangutans can have a life span of more than 50 years with males tending to live longer than females.

Diet

These are omnivores feeding on as many as 400 different food items in the wild which can include fruits, seeds, bird eggs, leaves, honey, nectar, flowers and insects.

Groups and Breeding

Orangutans tend to be more solitary than other great ape species. Males are more independent than females who may encounter each other in their overlapping ranges.
Orangutans only reproduce once every 7-8 years- they have the slowest breeding rate of any mammal. Males reach maturity at roughly 15 years of age and females tend to have their first baby 14-16. Newborns cling to their mother’s belly moving onto their backs once they are a little older. Young stay with their Mothers for 7-8 years learning all the skills they will need to be able to survive on their own.

Threats

The IUCN classifies this species as a critically endangered species threatened with extinction due to human impact. Most of this impact comes from land conversion for palm oil plantations as well as encroachment from human habitation and hunting for the pet trade.

Interesting Facts

Their name comes from the Malay and Indonesian words “Orang” and “Hutan” meaning person of the forest.
They are the largest arboreal mammal and the only great ape found in Asia.

The Bornean Orangutans During Your Day Out in Kent

We are home to three Bornean Orangutans here at Wingham Wildlife Park, Molly, Jin and Belayan. Molly and Jin live together and are besotted with one another. Jin joined us from Monkey World in 2019 and featured on The popular T.V program Monkey Life so you may already recognise him. Belayan lives just next door and is the oldest of the three being born in September 2009 while Molly is the youngest (January 2011). Molly is famous for her love of blankets, regardless of whether it is hot or cold outside Molly will almost always be spotted holding her favourite accessory and even sharing it with Jin.

The more you know…

Want to know more about this animal? Check out our keeper blogs about them here.

Conservation- A Brief Look at the Last Decade

Happiness

Hey Cheeky

How Do We Keep Our Animals Warm in the Winter?

International Orangutan Day

Meet the Orangutans

Molly’s Journey

Our New Arrival

Our Valentine’s 

Photoshoot Time!!

Problems with Palm Oil

Red Hot Redheads

The Naughty or Nice List

Training Sessions