What is International Orangutan Day?
International Orangutan Day, celebrated annually on August 19th, is a day dedicated to highlighting the urgent need to protect critically endangered orangutans and their forest habitats.
Jump to:
Why does International Orangutan Day matter?
In short, International Orangutan Day matters because orangutans matter.
Known as "gardeners of the forest," these intelligent primates are crucial for ecosystem health, and as an "umbrella species," they disperse seeds across large areas, prune trees, and open up canopy gaps, meaning conservation efforts aimed at them benefit a wide range of wildlife. The term orangutan, from “orang hutan,” means “person of the forest”.
By now, most people are aware of the challenges orangutans face, but this awareness day is a chance to bring these issues to the forefront of our minds again and to remind ourselves that we all have a part to play in helping protect them.
International Orangutan Day is important because it brings people together to learn, raise awareness, celebrate, and take action for orangutan conservation.
Download and share our infographic: International Orangutan Day 2026 Infographic
Threats facing orangutans in the wild
Sadly, all three species of orangutans are listed on the IUCN Red List as critically endangered. Current estimates show fewer than 119,500 orangutans remain in the wild:
- Bornean orangutan: ~104,700
- Sumatran orangutan: ~13,846
- Tapanuli orangutan: ~800
Some of the most urgent threats include:
Habitat loss: The main driver of the rapid decline of all three orangutan species is habitat loss. Palm oil plantations in Borneo are the leading cause of rainforest destruction, along with logging, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
Human conflict: With their habitat fragmented and shrinking at a concerning rate, orangutans move closer to villages, where they're often killed as pests. Babies are usually captured for the illegal pet trade after the mother is killed.
Climate change: Adding to the pressure, climate change is altering forest habitats. Changing temperatures and rainfall patterns can lead to prolonged droughts, increasing the risk of forest fires or extreme flooding, which can cause soil erosion and damage to tree roots.
Find out how you can help reduce these impacts below!
Recent orangutan conservation success stories
While August 19th is a day to raise awareness of the very real threats listed above, International Orangutan Day is also a day to celebrate the amazing strides made in orangutan conservation. Here's what's hit the headlines in 2026 so far:
- BOSF’s 47th Release: In June 2026, the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation successfully returned five rehabilitated orangutans to the wild, marking over 560 releases since 2012.
- Legacy Protection: Following the passing of Dr Biruté Mary Galdikas, Orangutan Foundation International (OFI) has accelerated the protection of critical corridors.
- 10th Wild-born Baby: In the Jantho Pine Forest Nature Reserve, field teams have confirmed the birth of the 10th wild-born baby orangutan in a rainforest that had zero orangutans in 2011!
Not all hope is lost, and great strides have been made in orangutan conservation, but there’s always more we can do, whether it’s from home or out in the field!
How you can help!
1. CHOOSE CERTIFIED PRODUCTS - LOOK FOR THE LOGO
According to WWF, palm oil is found in around 50% of all packaged products in the UK, from food to cosmetics. While avoiding palm oil entirely can be challenging, you can still make a difference by choosing products that carry the RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) label. Look out for other sustainability labels too, like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) when purchasing wood or paper products, and the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal on products such as chocolate, coffee and fruit.
2. SUPPORT ORANGUTAN CHARITIES
Supporting trusted groups by donating, following their social media, engaging with and sharing their content, and fundraising all go a long way to support the cause. NGOs like:
- Orangutan Foundation International (OFI)
- Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF)
- Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP)
3. SOURCE & SHARE INFORMATION
Take the time to learn more about orangutans and spread awareness. Why not share our infographic and keep orangutan conservation in conversation! #InternationalOrangutanDay
4. ADOPT AN ORANGUTAN
Symbolically adopting an orangutan helps fund medical care, rescue operations, and habitat restoration; these can make great gifts for the orangutan lovers in your life.
5. VOLUNTEER!
If you're looking to be more hands-on in your contribution, why not ethically volunteer with orangutans? It’s holidaying with a difference, one that lets you support vital conservation work while experiencing the rainforest up close.
In a sanctuary setting: On the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Volunteer Project and at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary, volunteers help further the BOSF mission of rehabilitating and releasing as many rescued orangutans as possible. As a volunteer, you'll create engaging enrichment, build platforms, reforest degraded areas and experience life in Indonesian Borneo, making a tangible difference to orangutan conservation efforts. In Malaysian Borneo, you can help care for rescued orangutans, along with a myriad of fascinating forest animals, on The Great Orangutan Project. Here, you'll work to improve husbandry and enclosure standards, create meaningful enrichment, prepare food and explore your stunning forest surroundings.
Out in the field: Volunteer out in the forests of Sabah on The Great Orangutan and Pygmy Elephant Project, where you'll help reforest vital habitat zones like the renowned 'Corridor of Life'. You'll take part in wildlife observation and monitoring as you trek through the jungle in search of orangutans, pygmy elephants, and other incredible species. You'll also have the unique opportunity to spend time with the 'Orang Sungai', gaining insight into their culture and how they coexist with the surrounding wildlife.
Not sure where to start? Check out our guide: Which Orangutan Project Is Right For Me?
Join the mission
International Orangutan Day 2026 is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a wake-up call. Orangutans are teetering on the edge of extinction, and the choices we make today will decide their future. Whether it's choosing certified sustainable products, donating to trusted conservation organisations, adopting an orangutan, or volunteering on the ground, every action counts!
Ready to Make a Difference?
Speak directly with our wildlife travel experts to plan your conservation trip: Enquire About Our 2026 Orangutan Projects
