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International Orangutan Day

Celebrate International Orangutan Day and join us in supporting the conservation of these amazing creatures!
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Category
Animal
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When it is?
August 19
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Country
International
Introduction

Join us in celebrating International Orangutan Day on August 19th! This special day was created to raise awareness about the plight of these amazing and intelligent apes. Orangutans are found only in the rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo, and their numbers have been declining for many years due to deforestation, poaching, disease, and illegal pet trade. Thankfully, there are now a number of conservation efforts in place that are helping to protect these beautiful creatures from further harm. Let's use this day to spread the word about why orangutans need our help!

History of International Orangutan Day

International Orangutan Day Dates

International Orangutan Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1784</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Orangutans Discovered by Western Science</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dutch naturalist Pieter Boddaert officially named the orangutan as Pongo pygmaeus, introducing the species to Western science.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1850s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Species Differentiation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The distinction between Bornean and Sumatran orangutans was first made due to subtle differences in physical appearance and behavior.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1939</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Orangutan Sanctuary</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first known orangutan sanctuary is developed in Semenggoh, Malaysia to manage displaced or orphaned orangutans.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div the='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Conservation Efforts Increase</div><div class-'timeline-text'>Several conservation organizations are founded to save orangutans from extinction, focusing on habitat preservation, rehabilitation and research.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of International Orangutan Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>International Orangutan Day was established as an annual day of awareness to help protect the critically endangered orangutan.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate International Orangutan Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a local zoo</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to your local zoo to watch and learn more about orangutans.  The zoo can also tell you how you can help orangutans protect their habitats.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a documentary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Watch a documentary on orangutans to learn more about their behavior, threats, and how you can help. There are many available online, so pick your favorite.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are many organizations that are dedicated to protecting the habitats of orangutans, such as Orangutan Outreach and Orangutan Foundation International. Consider donating money or supplies to help support these worthy causes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread awareness</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Share orangutan facts with your family and friends. Educate people about the threats facing orangutans and how they can help.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plant trees</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Orangutans rely heavily on trees for food and shelter. Plant trees in your backyard or in your local community to help provide a safe habitat for orangutans.</p></div></div>

Why International Orangutan Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Orangutans are an endangered species</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Orangutans are threatened by habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and exploitation. International Orangutan Day helps to raise awareness about the plight of this species and encourages people to take action and support conservation efforts for their survival.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness & funds</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Orangutan Day is a great opportunity to help spread the word about these intelligent great apes and the threats they face in the wild. It also brings attention to organizations that dedicate their time and resources towards protecting orangutans and conserving their habitats.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes appreciation & care</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Orangutan Day is a chance to celebrate the amazing animals that we share our planet with. It's a day dedicated to raising more awareness about how we can better protect them through education, conservation, and responsible eco tourism initiatives.</p></div></div>

5 Astonishing Facts for International Orangutan Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Orangutans share 97% of their DNA with Humans</h3><p class='facts-content'>This genetic proximity makes orangutans our distant cousins, highlighting the importance of their conservation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Orangutans are Highly Intelligent Tool Users</h3><p class='facts-content'>They've been observed using sticks to dig for termites, scratch their backs, and even to measure the depth of water, showcasing their remarkable problem-solving skills.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>An Orangutan's Arm Span Can Reach Up to 7 Feet</h3><p class='facts-content'>This massive span allows them to skillfully navigate the trees and branches of their forest habitats.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Orangutans have long life spans</h3><p class='facts-content'>On average, male orangutans live to be approximately 35-45 years old in the wild, and females can live to be over 60.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Orangutans are Solitary Creatures</h3><p class='facts-content'>Unlike many other primates, orangutans tend to lead solitary lives, with males and females generally coming together only to breed.</p></div></div>

International Orangutan Day FAQs

When is International Orangutan Day?

International Orangutan Day is celebrated on August 19 every year. In 2024 International Orangutan Day will occur on a Monday.

International Orangutan Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Aug 19

Saturday

2024

Aug 19

Monday

2025

Aug 19

Tuesday

2026

Aug 19

Wednesday

2027

Aug 19

Thursday

Animal Holidays