Compared to other great apes like gorillas and chimps, orangutans prefer to live alone. For example, adult males mostly isolate themselves; they only interact with females during mating. Though they might cross paths with other orangutans from time to time, they don't last long. However, these apes, particularly mothers and their young, can still be social when needed.

Female orangutans usually give birth to just one offspring every 8-9 years. After delivery, orangutan infants undergo a protracted dependency period3.

Thanks to observation and imitation, orangutans learn to use sticks to extract insects from tree bark. They poke and prod at the bark to remove the insects while avoiding injury

Thanks to their appetite for fruit, orangutans have built a symbiotic relationship with fruit trees. While feeding, they disperse seeds throughout the forest.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List has placed all three orangutan species on the endangered species list. Today, the decline in their populations poses a clear danger to countless other species sharing their habitat.

Fun Fact: Did you know that chimpanzees have a DNA similarity of around 98.7% with humans3? These great apes are more closely related to modern humans than other primate species.

Fun Fact: Did you know bonobos have a matriarchal society? They use social bonding and sexual activities to resolve conflicts and maintain group cohecsion. Moreover, these great apes are the only non-human species that engage in sexual intercourse for communication1.

Despite their massive size, gorillas are peaceful, shy, and reserved. The genus gorilla comprises both the eastern and western gorilla species. Unfortunately, both are critically endangered species due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease.

Fun Fact: Did you know the Eastern Gorilla is the largest gorilla subspecies? These massive apes can reach up to 6 feet tall when standing upright. With their muscular build and powerful arms, they can weigh up to a whopping 400 pounds.

You can find the mountain gorilla in the heart of the Virunga mountains and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These great apes have long hair, formidable jaws, small noses, and a dense coat that helps them survive freezing temperatures. Moreover, this old-world monkey lives 7,200 to 14,100 feet above sea level, where it gets pretty chilly.