Although the global superstar orangutans are very well-known among most jungle lovers, little is known about these Great Apes native to Sumatra and Borneo. Here are some facts that you may not know.
1. Orangutans are the most solitary of all the Great Apes. This is the reason why we still know little about them.
2. Orangutans can speak -- noting a total of 1,299 communicative signals – 858 vocal signals and 441 gestures. (One of our guides Aldi does manage to “speak” a few though.)
3. Female orangutans give birth every 6-7 years. They are the only mammals on the planet which have such a long interval between births. It is not surprising that many female orangutans hanging around in Gunung Leuser National Park carry babies all the time.
4. Orangutans are good nest builders. They usually make new “beds” high up in the trees during the day. Their nests which are made of leaves and branches do not last long though. An adult orangutan can build thousands of nests throughout its life.
5. Orangutans makes umbrellas too. When it rains, these smart guys will cover their heads with large leaves as umbrellas.
Do you know any secrets about orangutans? Feel free to tell us!