Sumatran orangutan
Pongo abelii
The orangutan (Indonesian for "forest man") is the only tree-dweller among the great apes and the largest mammal that lives in trees. It prefers to stay in the middle and lower levels of trees and gets around by shimmying from branch to branch. This method of locomotion requires a great deal of strength due to its high body weight, which is why the orangutan only covers short distances during the day. The hair of the male can reach a length of 150 cm, which - together with the cheek bulges and the throat pouch - is a good distinguishing feature from the female. The orangutan lives unsociably and quietly, which is why it is hardly ever seen in the wild.
Orangutans can invest a long time to solve a tricky problem. They are very concentrated and motivated "mechanics".
| Related to | Old world monkeys, great apes, orangutans (3 species) |
| Habitat | Rainforest up to 2000 meters above sea level, swamp forest |
| Mode of life | Predominantly tree-dwelling, rarely on the ground |
| Sleeping nest | On large crotches and in the treetops, being rebuilt every day |
| Social structure | Females with young, also small groups with several females if food sources are abundant, males are solitary, foraging areas overlap |
| Diet | Fruits, leaves, shoots, tree bark, honey, eggs, insects, small vertebrates |
| Weight | Females up to 45 kg, males up to 90 kg (rarely up to 110 kg), newborns 1.6 kg |
| Body length | Male up to 140 cm, female up to 90 cm |
| Arm span | up to 225 cm |
| Gestation time | 8 to 9 months, average 245 days |
| Litter size | 1 young, rarely twins, birth interval every 4 to 9 years |
| First mating period | Average at 15 years |
| Life expectancy | 50 years, in zoos up to 55 years |
| Utilization | Young animals as pets (illegal) |
| Population trend | 6000 animals at most, in European zoos a few more than 150 animals |
| At Zurich Zoo since | 1932 with interruptions until 1959, afterwards permanently in the livestock, altogether 24 young animals (2015), internationally coordinated breeding (EEP) |
Distribution
Our commitment to wild orangutans
To the nature conservation project
Our exhibition on the subject
Shopping for the rainforest
Sponsors
| PANDAI | Zita Helene Angehrn Stiftung, Herisau |
| UTU | I. Schwyzer, Zürich |
| RIANG | H. Bezzola-Bodmer, Aeugst am Albis |
| XIRA | E. Bier, Luxemburg |
| PANDAI | STUTZ AG Bauunternehmung, Hefenhofen |
| UTU | E. Bier, Luxemburg |
| TIMOR | Tiergarten-Gesellschaft Zürich (TGZ) |
| RIANG | Bereuter Baugrubentechnik AG, Volketswil |
Price for a sponsorship: CHF 6000.–
Babies
Conservation status
Breeding programme
