See Our Playful orangutan

Pongo abelii
Fact Sheet

The Gulf Breeze Zoo is home to Sumatran orangutans, one of the most endangered great apes in the world. Native to the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, these intelligent primates spend most of their lives high in the trees.  Their long arms—which can stretch farther than their bodies are tall—allow them to swing easily from branch to branch as they move through the forest canopy in search of food. 

Orangutans are known for their remarkable intelligence and problem-solving abilities. In the wild, they typically live solitary lives, with mothers caring for their young for several years while teaching them the skills they need to survive in the forest.

Learn What Orangutans Eat

In the wild, orangutans eat mostly fruit, their favorite food, along with leaves, bark, flowers, honey and insects. Their varied diet helps them thrive in the rich ecosystems of Southeast Asian rainforests.

See Orangutans on the Island

Guests can watch the Zoo’s orangutans exploring their island habitat from the elevated boardwalk or while riding the Safari Line Train as it passes nearby.

QUICK FACTS

Conservation status: Critically Endangered
Lifespan: 35-45 years
Arm Span: 6.6 feet
Height: up to 4.5 feet

IN THE WILD

Sumatran orangutans live in the tropical rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, where they spend most of their lives high in the trees.  Using their long arms and strong hands, they swing through the forest canopy in search of fruit, leaves and insects. Orangutans usually live alone, but mothers care for their young longer than almost any other animal—sometimes up to eight years—teaching them how to survive in the forest.

CONSERVATION

In addition to caring for orangutans here, we also support the Sumatran Orangutan Society to help them in the wild. Learn more about the program on our Conservation page

Read how we help