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What is International Orangutan Day?
International Orangutan Day, celebrated on August 19th every year, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about critically endangered orangutans, the threats they face, and how we can help. In 2025, the message is louder than ever: save the orangutans, save the rainforest, save the planet.
Why does International Orangutan Day matter?
In short, International Orangutan Day matters because orangutans matter.
Known as "gardeners of the forest", orangutans disperse seeds across large areas, prune trees, open up canopy gaps, and they are an "umbrella species," meaning conservation efforts aimed at them benefit a wide range of wildlife.
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 as it brings people together to learn, raise awareness, celebrate and take action!
Download and share our infographic: International Orangutan Day 2025 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 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 recently:
A MAJOR WILDLIFE SMUGGLING BUST THANKS TO A BABY ORANGUTAN
Authorities in Thailand uncovered a smuggling ring in early 2025, all triggered by a truck hauling a baby orangutan. The young orangutan, found in poor condition, tipped off investigators to a broader criminal network operating in the Chumphon Province. A raid following this discovery led to the seizure of over 17 trafficked animals, including endangered gibbons, tamarins, and red pandas. All animals were confiscated and relocated to rescue centres.
BOSF 2025 RESCUES, RELEASES & RESTORATIONS - SO FAR!
In April, the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) released six rehabilitated orangutans into East Kalimantan’s Kehje Sewen Forest, marking a major milestone as the animals took their first steps back into the wild. This year has also seen the rescue of three baby orangutans, including Esa and Indri, who arrived at the Samboja Lestari just last month. Meanwhile, on the habitat restoration front, BOSF and Land Life are on track to restore 270 hectares of degraded land by the end of August, building on the 90 hectares already recovered earlier this year through Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR).
25 YEARS OF SUPPORT IN SABAH
Orangutan Appeal UK celebrated 25 years of impactful conservation work with the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah, Malaysia. Over the decades, the charity has contributed more than RM 14 million to fund veterinary care, infrastructure upgrades, research, and education. This milestone underscores the value of consistent international support in enabling long-term success for orangutan rescue and reintegration efforts.
How we're celebrating International Orangutan Day
To celebrate International Orangutan Day, we've rallied our incredible sanctuary-based orangutan volunteer projects to put together some exciting enrichment activities and updates for us to share with you!
But before we do, we need to share with you our exciting offer. To honour International Orangutan Day, we've put The Great Orangutan Project on offer with 15% off until August 31st. Secure your spot on any 2025 or 2026 dates by the end of the month, and you'll receive an amazing discount and get to see baby Leo pictured below!
The Great Orangutan Project – 15% off until August 31st
Volunteers celebrated the day with some extra special enrichment for the orangutans! Using decorated cardboard boxes, they stuffed them with leaves and treats such as nuts and seeds. They also sewed the boxes up to make sure the orangutans worked hard to get into them.
The volunteering team also made some hammocks using firehoses, which were kindly donated by volunteer, Loes!
Finally, as an extra treat this International Orangutan Day, we thought we'd give you an adorable update on baby Leo! He is becoming more and more active and independent by the day and has recently become very interested in exploring and climbing the enrichment structures in the outdoor enclosures. He's doing great and is loved very much by all of the team and volunteers, as well as his mum, Katherine. - A huge thank you to volunteer Barbara Hinsley for this gorgeous photo of Leo!
Samboja Lestari Orangutan Volunteer Project
A note from coordinator Kate:
"To celebrate World Orangutan Day, we got creative with banana plants for our unreleasable island residents. We drilled holes, tucked in peanuts and sticks, and wrapped the plants with jam-smeared leaves. Volunteers helped load them onto the boat, and we watched eagerly as the enrichment made its way to the islands.
Alohdora wasted no time, hauling hers to her platform for a feast. Rambo disappeared into the bushes with his, only to fend off Alohdora when she came looking for seconds.
Jeffrey and Leslie took the careful approach, peeling apart their plants to reach every treat and the tasty core. Bujang, meanwhile, settled into the shade, using his teeth to shred the layers and uncover hidden treasures.
We wish all the orangutans on Samboja islands and elsewhere, a happy World Orangutan Day!"
Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary
Our amazing volunteers at Nyaru Menteng have been hard at work this season, and just in time for International Orangutan Day, they have a big achievement to celebrate! The team recently completed several new feeding platforms on an island specially designated for orangutans with disabilities.
While these individuals cannot be released into the wild, the new platforms will help them enjoy a richer, more natural life in their forest home.
How you can help orangutans in 2025
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!
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
Support trusted groups by donating, following their social media, engaging 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 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 2025 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!
Don’t just scroll past another headline, because extinction is forever, but action is now.
