The Singapore Zoo displays a large social group of 25 orang utans in a spacious naturalistic enclosure. Though not the only zoo in the world to display a social group of orang utans, we are the only ones who have done so on such a large scale.

The provision of a large enclosure and lots of climbing platforms allow the orang utans to get away from their group members and enjoy moments of peace when needed. The platforms not only allow the apes to develop their natural climbing skills but also serve as escape routes for them should fighting break out.

These highly intelligent animals have to be kept occupied or boredom will consume them, which occurs ever so often in captivity. We keep the orang utans busy through the use of a technique known as behavioural enrichment.

The ability to breed is a good indication of the state of physical and emotional health of a zoo animal, and we are proud to have bred a total of 33 orang utans to date. We have sent some of our orang utans to zoos in Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam, Japan, Australia and New Zealand as part of the worldwide exchange programme to facilitate breeding of this highly endangered ape.

About orang utans
Orang utans are arboreal mammals who spend most part of their lives eating, sleeping, nesting and traveling in the trees. They feed on fruits, leaves, seeds, bark and insects of the rainforest.

There are two species of orang utans, namely the Bornean and the Sumatran. The Sumatran has a longer face, and lighter, longer hair. The males also develop longer beards. Conversely, the Bornean has a rounder face and darker, shorter hair. The males have shorter beards. Generally, the hair colour varies from dark orange to brown or maroon.

Both species live in the Southeast Asia rainforests. Unfortunately, their habitat is increasingly being threatened and destroyed by logging and forest fires. Other threats facing these creatures include poaching for illegal pet trade, and the “only way to get a baby is to kill the mother”.

To date, the population of Bornean orang utans is estimated at 55,000. It is listed as an endangered species on the IUCN's Red List of Threatened Animals and on Appendix I of CITES. Their Sumatran counterpart, on the other hand, is said to have population numbers of only 7,500 left in the wild, making this species critically endangered.

The world's first orang utan free ranging area now at Singapore Zoo Home to 24 orang utans, the Singapore Zoo has created two free-ranging areas for these arboreal creatures to swing, climb and even play. Located at two areas flanking the Bornean Orang Utan Island, the boardwalk and island free ranging areas allow visitors to better observe these primates up close. About five orang utans including sub-adult, young and mother with babies - will be on display at the respective free ranging areas. The free ranging areas comprise tall trees, thick branches, abundant foliage and vines which replicate the animals’ natural environment. The branches and vines encourage the orang utans to brachiate, or move by swinging with the arms from one hold to another. Platforms and hammocks further stimulate these highly intelligent apes mentally. Feeding sessions at the two areas are as follows: Boardwalk free ranging area at 11.30am and 3.30pm daily. Island free ranging area at 2.15pm and 4.30pm daily