Orang-utans are a crucial part of Malaysia’s natural and cultural heritage

Orang-utans; their very name, “Man of the Forest”, denotes how precious they are to Malaysians – a people nurtured by a homeland especially rich in natural resources, including our world-famous rainforests.

Once, orang-utans were found all the way from southern China to the foothills of the Himalayas and south to the island of Java, Indonesia. Now, Borneo and Sumatra are the last two places on Earth where orang-utans live. We cannot help but feel a protective kinship to this great ape that is more than 96% genetically similar to humans. It would be an unimaginable loss if our iconic “Men of the Forest” were to disappear from our trees, and “live” only in our legends.


 

Orang-utans are amazing creatures but things are not so rosy in their world: deforestation, poaching and other irresponsible human activities are pushing them to the brink of extinction. We have to do something NOW to save their fast-dwindling numbers. Otherwise, by the time our grandchildren are born, there will no longer be any orang-utans left in the wild. Dr Jane Goodall, the famed primate expert, once said 'Only if we understand can we care, only if we care will be help, only if we help shall they be saved.' That's a pretty good place to start.

Did you know that orang-utans have been taught sign language?

Did you know what orang-utan’s fruit is? It could be the same as yours!

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