In the early 80s, the jungles of Indonesia were home to more than 300.000 orangutans. Today, the destruction and degradation of their natural habitat has meant that this number does not exceed 130.000 specimens. A sum that includes the three species of this primate that live on the planet: Borneo, Sumatra and Tapanuli.

As each August 19 marks International Orangutan Day, one of the most endangered apes in the world. and that, in fifty years, they have seen their population reduced by more than 60%. On this anniversary, BIOPARC Fuengirola calls for the urgent need to protect orangutans. The figures confirm the urgency of launching actions to conserve them and of joining them. And, according to the IUCN Red List, The three species of orangutan are in 'critical danger of extinction' and all of them show a decreasing trend in their population.

The total estimated population of orangutans will not exceed 130.000 individuals. The IUCN Red List details that there are no more than 105.000 orangutan individuals in Borneo, about 13.000 in Sumatra and about 800 in Tapanuli.

Since the opening of BIOPARC Fuengirola in 2001, then Fuengirola Zoo, The park actively participates in the conservation and reproduction program of the species at the European level (EEP), as an effort for its conservation ex situ. Currently, BIOPARC Fuengirola houses a group of Bornean orangutans made up of two females and their corresponding offspring: Mukah, Suli, Sabangau and Neo.

Bornean orangutans They do not exceed 104.700 copies. Figures that represent 64 percent less than the 288.500 registered at the end of the 70s. If its decline continues at the same pace, as well as the threats that cause it, most of their populations will become extinct in the next 50 years.

Wild orangutan populations are threatened by extensive habitat loss and land use change due to logging, palm oil production, mining and agricultural expansion. Deforestation is by far the most serious threat to orangutans, and over the past three decades, approximately 80% of irreplaceable orangutan habitat has been lost.

In the case of the Bornean orangutan, endemic to the island of Borneo, it is one of the most emblematic species of primate in the tropical rainforests of the Asian continent.

Bioparc Fuengirola has been committed to the situation of the Bornean orangutan and its habitat since 2013. Through the Bioparc Foundation, collaborate with the association Borneo Nature Foundation for conservation in situ of the species, through habitat restoration and reforestation actions in the Sabangau forest, in Borneo. In addition, they carry out research activities in the forest, training and capacity development to promote sustainable development and education of populations to protect the island's natural resources.

The conservation of species is a fundamental part of the preservation of the planet and the life it houses. In the Western world, Knowing and educating about the realities of threatened species such as the Bornean orangutan is the first step to becoming aware and wanting to preserve them..