HOW SIMILAR ARE ORANGUTANS TO HUMANS?
With up to 97% DNA similarity, it is not surprising that the behaviour and intelligence of orangutans often display remarkably human-like traits. Let’s explore 10 fascinating facts that highlight the similarities between orangutans and humans.
- Orangutans have “Culture
Scientists have documented that orangutans have culture, behaviours that are learned and passed down from generation to generation. These include techniques for nest building, using tools, and even using leaves as umbrellas. These cultural traits vary depending on the population and the region where they live, much like human cultural diversity.
- Intelligence on par with chimpanzees
Orangutans rank high on the primate intelligence spectrum—on par with chimpanzees and even higher than gorillas. They can understand cause and effect, make plans, and use basic logic.
- Orangutans use tools—just like humans
In the wild, orangutans use sticks to extract honey, open spiky fruits, or retrieve insects from tree bark. These problem-solving skills reflect the ingenuity of early humans.
- They learn by observing and imitating
Orangutans are visual learners. They watch and imitate the behaviour of their mothers or other orangutans they perceive as “experts.”
- Orangutans are semi-solitary primates
Unlike gorillas, which live in groups, orangutans are considered semi-solitary. However, they still form complex social relationships, especially during certain periods like fruiting seasons or while raising offspring.
Orangutans watch and imitate behaviour—here, from their surrogate human mother in Forest School.
- They show empathy and a desire to comfort others
Orangutans try to comfort friends who are injured or lonely with hugs or gentle physical contact. This behaviour reflects their high level of emotional sensitivity.
- A long childhood—just like human children
Young orangutans stay with their mothers for 7 to 8 years to learn vital survival skills. This is the longest period of dependency among mammals, aside from humans.
- Orangutans have unique personalities
Like humans, each orangutan has its own personality. Some are shy, others bold; some are social, while others prefer solitude. This individuality reflects emotional complexity and distinct personal traits.
- Communicate through complex vocalisations and gestures
Orangutans use a wide variety of vocalisations, including long calls, hand gestures, facial expressions and body movements to convey specific intentions. This forms an intricate and effective non-verbal communication system.
- Highly adaptive to environmental changes
Orangutans are incredibly adaptable to changes in food availability. They can eat more than 300 types of food in the wild, including fruits, leaves, bark and insects. They are also able to recognise when and where specific trees will bear fruit.
Learn more about orangutans and our conservation work here.
