International Orangutan Day

August 19, Tuesday

International Orangutan Day
© ShutterStock
International Orangutan Day (International Orangutan Day) is celebrated annually on August 19. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the protection of orangutans and their natural habitats, as well as the survival challenges faced by this remarkable species.

History and Significance
The holiday was created by environmental organizations and conservationists to raise awareness about the situation of orangutans. These primates live exclusively in the tropical forests of Sumatra and Borneo, and today they are endangered.

Why Orangutans Are Threatened
The main factors threatening the survival of orangutans are:

* Deforestation for agriculture and plantations, especially palm oil
* Poaching and illegal wildlife trade
* Habitat loss due to urbanization and fires
* Climate change

Interesting Facts About Orangutans

* The word “orangutan” comes from the Malay language and means “forest person.”
* Orangutans are among the smartest primates; they can use tools and teach these skills to their offspring.
* The lifespan of an orangutan in the wild can reach 40–50 years.
* Sumatran and Bornean orangutans are listed in the Red Book as endangered species.

How It Is Celebrated
On this day, conservation organizations hold educational events, lectures, documentary screenings, and fundraising campaigns to protect orangutans. People are encouraged to support forest conservation projects, avoid products containing palm oil produced destructively, and share information about the issue on social media.

International Orangutan Day in other years

International Orangutan Day in other countries

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