The endangered orangutans species is well protected and cared for in the Melbourne Zoo's humane enclosure, the Orang-utan Sanctuary
This is a man made environment that resembles the orangutans habitat, an area where they can swing on ropes through the trees and between especially made and positioned poles.
The elevated tree top walkway is housed within the Asian Rainforest Exhibit at the zoo.
Strolling along the overhead boardwalk you are able to view and enjoy the endangered orangutans behavior through observation windows.
Being tree dwelling creatures we are able to see this endangered species swinging and playing through the tree tops.
Melbourne is very conscious of housing animals in environments that the animal can enjoy.
The Orangutans, the magnificent yet highly endangered species, are native to Indonesia and Malaysia
They belong to the species of Great Apes
They are highly intelligent creatures
The orangutans diet consists mainly of fruit and nuts, leaves, bark, honey and bird eggs
The male can grow to almost 6' tall(175cm) and the female to almost 4'(127cm)
The male's head differs from the female in as much as it is huge and round
The orangutans arms are twice as long as their legs making it easier to swing through the trees
The animals are tree dwellers and make their nests out of leaves and branches way up in the tree tops
The orangutans use tools to gather food
They are foragers and their diet is quite seasonal
They have been said to be the dispersing agent for quite a few plant species, dropping the seeds all over the forest floor
The orangutans Mothers stay with their babies for 6 or 7 years
This endangered species eats soil or bark to obtain minerals some of which help to keep them regular, absorb toxic chemicals or treat medical disorders such as diarrhea
Aggression between other endangered Orangutans is quite common
They are very territorial
As immature orangutan males they can be quite aggressive and forceful when it comes to mating. The females preferring the advances of the older and more mature male
They do not swim
They are able to vocalize different reactions to different stimuli such as playing, wrestling, tickling and fighting
Due to logging and deforestation the orangutans are now endangered and threatened with extinction
The Endangered Orangutan
Orangutans are killed for food while others are killed because they may be destructive to people's property!
Mother orangutans are killed so that their babies can be sold as pets through the illegal pet trade market!
Due to logging, mining and deforestation the orangutans natural environment is being radically destroyed
Palm Oil Connection To The Endangered Orangutans
Vast areas of tropical rainforest have been converted to palm oil plantations
Palm oil is used for cooking, cosmetics, mechanics and is a source of biodiesel
Have a look at food labels and notice the term...vegetable oil...is it actually palm oil?
The Melbourne Zoo is well aware of the dramatic situation facing the endangered orangutans and we can all help by firstly understanding the problem and what can be done to help save these amazing creatures, visit...
From the makers of BIG CAT WEEK and ELEPHANT DIARIES comes this candid view of the BORNEO ORANGUTAN SURVIVAL FOUNDATION and its efforts to create a safe haven for the incredible endangered orangutans
Here, at last, is the riveting story of Birute Galdikas, a pioneering primatologist who has spent much of her life studying this endangered species, the orangutans. In 1971, twenty-five-year-old Galdikas began living in the remote jungles of Indonesian Borneo, where she encountered menacing poachers, blood-sucking leeches, and swarms of carnivorous insects...
In Orangutans in Danger, young readers will follow orangutans living in the rain forests as they learn about their natural habitat, physical characteristics, diet, lifecycle, and behavior...
Introduces readers to orangutans and their habitat. Simple text explains the parts of a orangutan's body, what and how orangutans eat, and their life cycle.
Kids have lots of questions and this series gives them some answers. Full of interesting facts about orangutans, an endangered species of wildlife, colorful drawings, and quick activities to help kids learn.
The third largest island in the world, largely jungle-covered and still relatively undiscovered, it's easy to see what attracts adventurous travelers to Borneo.
With its numerous pristine national parks, some of the world's best dive sites, unique flora and fauna (including of course the endangered Orangutans) this is one of the world's last frontiers.
Visit the endangered orangutans at the Melbourne Zoo; open between the hours of 9:00am through to 5:00pm every day of the year.
Allow a good 3 hours to visit the exhibits and really experience what the zoo has to offer.
A great way to save money and budget in a lot more great Melbourne Attractions to visit, is to use the Melbourne and Beyond Smartvisit Card with free entry to over 40 different venues.
If you are considering staying in my beautiful hometown see below for more information on where you can stay for a comfortable yet affordable Melbourne accommodation experience
Love to visit wildlife? Drive through an open plain with wild African animals to the left and right of you, feed a Kangaroo or pat a Koala? You can here...
Getaways Newsletter
Family Getaways Blog
FGM Facebook
ItsMelbourne4u
Affordable Melbourne Accommodation
