By Sakshi Sah
Published Jun 09, 2025

Hindustan Times
Trending

Photo Credit: Pexels

8 facts that make orangutans truly unique

Orangutans are red-haired apes. They live in the tropical rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo in Southeast Asia.

Photo Credit: File Photo

Orangutans grow 1.2 to 1.5 metres tall and weigh up to 100 kg.

Photo Credit: Pexels

Unlock Now

Unlock Now

The orangutan is one of humankind’s closest relatives. We share nearly 97% of the same DNA.

Photo Credit: File Photo

Orangutans spend most of their time in trees. They use strong arms and hook-shaped hands to climb and swing between branches.

Photo Credit: Pexels

At night, they sleep in nests made of leaves high up in trees. This keeps them safe from animals like big cats.

Photo Credit: Pexels

Female orangutans have babies about once every eight years.

Photo Credit: Pexels

Orangutans are noisy when they want to be. Male orangutans make loud calls to warn others to stay away from their area.

Photo Credit: Pexels

These amazing apes generally have long lives- in captivity, they can live for 50-60 years, and in the wild, 30-40 years.

Photo Credit: Pexels