Class: Mammalia

Order: Primates

Scientific Name: Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus

Range: Borneo

Habitat: Primary forest

Diet: Wild: Fruits (wild figs & durians are favorites), vegetation, insects and, perhaps, small vertebrates and birds eggs Zoo: Monkey chow, apple, orange, carrot, yam, grapes, greens

Gestation: 260-270 days

Litter: 1

Description: Head and body are 4.5-5.5 ft. long. Arm-spread is approximately 8.25 ft. with females weighing up to 143 lb. and males weighing up to 317 lb. The are the largest tree-dwelling mammal, and the only great ape living in Asia. The legs are relatively short and weak while the arms are long and powerful.Orangutans are primarily diurnal and arboreal. While not as social as other apes, they may congregate when fruit is abundant. They construct nests high in the trees for sleeping, which are usually only used once. Smaller nests may be made for daytime rests. Orangutans use leafy branches held over their heads or large leaves draped over their head and shoulders as protection from both rain and sun. Tool use among fully wild orangutans does not compare with that of chimpanzees, though captive orangutans released into the wild are quite adept at tool use. Adult males spend over 90% of their time on their own. The interval between births is generally 3-4 years, though it can be as much as 8. Mothers look after their young for up to 8 years. Only human children are dependent longer.

Where in the Zoo? I can be found in the Bornean Orangutan Exhibit at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.