Celebrate World Orangutan Day With These Truly Great Apes

By Melissa Cronin

Published on 8/19/2014 at 11:43 AM

Often referred to as "people of the forest," orangutans are some of our closest relatives - and some of our smartest. The tree-dwelling great apes are known for their sophisticated use of tools and ability to master complex abilities. Just in time for World Orangutan Day, here are some of the most brilliant orangutans - well, just being brilliant. | <p>Wikimedia Commons</p>
Often referred to as "people of the forest," orangutans are some of our closest relatives - and some of our smartest. The tree-dwelling great apes are known for their sophisticated use of tools and ability to master complex abilities. Just in time for World Orangutan Day, here are some of the most brilliant orangutans - well, just being brilliant. | <p>Wikimedia Commons</p>
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They also form strong, emotional social bonds and an intricate culture. In a paper in the journal Science, a group of researchers from OFI described two dozen behaviors observed in some orangutan populations - but not in others. The particular behaviors were apparently learned and passed down through generations by members of the group.

These rescued orangutan babies are already forming bonds:

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It's clear - just from a glance - that orangutans are just as wise as they look.

(Wikimedia Commons)