Orangutans are one of the most intelligent creatures in the animal kingdom.

That makes them an ape-solutely amazing species to care for!

This International Orangutan Day, our expert keepers shared their favourite experiences from their time with our red-headed cousins!
 

Sam Hay

One of my all-time favourite experiences was with a young male orangutan, Semeru.

I was working with other orangutans in the neighbouring corridor, and Semeru could see and hear the training session in action.

At only 5-years-old, Semaru started to copy the behaviours while in his own night quarters!

It was an extraordinary example of how smart and eager they are to learn.
 

Toby Ewing

I will never forget my first day on the primate round, when I saw orangutan Sungai doing the most incredible acrobatics!

He was twirling SUPER fast on a piece of hessian that was hanging down. He would wind it up and then spin and spin.

It showed me just how playful these incredible primates are, and I knew I wanted to work with them.

 


Holly Thompson

Some of my most breathtaking experiences working with orangutans have been while working at Jungle School,.a sanctuary the Zoo supports that teaches orphaned Sumatran Orangutans the lessons they need for life in the wild.

Our conservation partners, Frankfurt Zoological Society,have released more than 200 orangutans to the wild there, many of which are now having babies of their own!

It’s the most incredible thing to see. Despite hardships many have faced and despite not having a mum of their own to teach them, through Jungle School these orangutans are able to go on and be great mums!

 
 


Mel Mirville

I love watching orangutans build their nests at the end of every day. They all have a different style for building the perfect mattress!

It’s really special to see them demonstrating such an important wild behaviour, learned from their mother.

It reminds me to make orangutan-friendly choices in my everyday life, so that I can protect wild orangutans and their habitat.


Chris Cornock-Ross

They are SO clever. They regularly outsmart the enrichment we build and are always finding shortcuts that we never would have imagined.

I have seen them use strength over patience when given puzzles, and even draw themselves a bath using their drinking fountain and buckets!

One person can make a difference to wild orangutans, and as a team we can do even more!

Here’s 5 ways YOU can help Sumatran Orangutans!