Orangutans are the largest tree-living mammal. These beautiful and fascinating creatures spend over 90% of their lives high up in the forest canopy, leading a peaceful and mostly solitary existence.
Unfortunately, wild orangutan populations are under threat. There are thought to be fewer than 100,000 left in the wild. All three species – Bornean, Sumatran and Tapanuli – are classified as critically endangered.
Habitat loss due to palm oil production, logging and mining are pushing orangutans to the brink. Over the last 30 years, an estimated 80% of their habitat has been lost.
But there is hope. The Born Free-supported Orangutan Foundation is working in the rainforests of Indonesia Borneo to save and protect the world’s precious orangutans and their habitat. They rescue orangutans in need of help – either orphaned, injured or taken from the wild to be kept as pets – and help them learn the skills they need for eventual release back to the wild when they are ready. They also protect crucial orangutan habitats. Working alongside local communities, they ensure forests stay protected, create new conservation areas and prevent deforestation.
The situation for orangutans really is critical. But with your help, we can give them a better future.
Orangutans face many threats in the wild, but they are also exploited in captivity.
Across the world, they are kept in zoos, as pets, as photo props for tourists, or exploited for ‘entertainment’.
This has to stop.
That’s why we work across the world to raise awareness of the plight of all captive wild animals.
We work to prevent animal suffering, and lobby governments for tighter national and international legislation.
Timtom was a baby when she was taken from her mother and illegally kept as a pet.
Thankfully, she was rescued from her terrifying ordeal by the Born Free-supported Orangutan Foundation and is learning the skills needed in preparation for her return to the wild.
This amazing youngster represents the plight of all wild orangutans and the hope that despite their perilous existence, we can ensure their survival.
At £3 a month, or a one-off payment of £36 for the year, a Born Free adoption is the perfect gift for wild animal lovers. You'll receive an adoption pack containing a soft toy, animal story, species fact sheet, photo and certificate, as well as our Adopt magazine twice a year.
Your gift today will help fund:
The situation for orangutans really is critical. But with your help, we can give them a better future.
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