Orangutans are great apes native to the rainforests of Indonesia and Malaysia.
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Orangutans are now found only in parts of Borneo and Sumatra, but during the Pleistocene they ranged throughout Southeast Asia and South China.
In the UK, both Bornean and Sumatran orangutans can be found at Chester Zoo and can also be found at Wingham Wildlife Park In Kent.
Orangutans are among the most intelligent primates and they use a variety of sophisticated tools to construct elaborate sleeping nests each night from branches and foliage.

Orangutans have been featured in literature and art since at least the 18th century, particularly in works that comment on human society.
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Field studies of the apes were pioneered by primatologist Birutė Galdikas and they have been kept in captive facilities around the world since at least the early 19th century.
All three orangutan species are considered critically endangered.
Human activities have caused severe declines in populations and ranges. Threats to wild orangutan populations include poaching (for bushmeat and retaliation for consuming crops), habitat destruction and deforestation (for palm oil cultivation and logging), and the illegal pet trade.
Several conservation and rehabilitation organisations are dedicated to the survival of orangutans in the wild.


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