When is World Orangutan Day in 2024? Well, we are almost sure that you are not able to answer this question even under the condition you like these amazing mammals. As a rule, the essential part of contemporary men and women has never heard about the existence of this holiday in the modern calendar. Are you among them? Donโt worry! Today we are going to represent you the event you will definitely like. Are you ready to join? We are starting!
History
Talking about the matter what day Orangutan Day in 2024 is, we canโt but mention the historical background of this event. As a rule, this direction is of the greatest demand among our followers. Men and women want to know why and when the holiday appeared and who established it.
A 10-year study by an international team led by Karel van Sheik of Duke University in the United States has found that orangutans, which are considered to be related to humans, have a culture. It is an amazing discovery, isnโt it? However, that was not everything, of course.
More importantly, the history of human culture is even older than previously thought. 24 models of behavior of orangutans which are transferred by imitation and are a direct sign of culture are revealed. Cultural behavior originated 14 million years ago, when orangutans formed as an independent species.
Unfortunately, we havenโt managed to discover, why we have to celebrate this special occasion on August 19th annually. Moreover, we donโt know the names of the establishers as well. However, no matter who these people were, we are sure that they wanted to do it for a good reason. Why? โ The global problem is that according to conservationists, the population of orangutans is declining by 2.5% every year, and if serious measures are not taken to protect them, in 10 years these animals will not remain on the planet.
Meaning
What does World Orangutan Day mean? Well, we donโt know for sure whether this holiday means something for you or not. Among the representatives of modern society there are a lot of men and women, who are not interested in animals at all. So they are hardly going to celebrate.
As it has been already mentioned above the International Orangutan Day is celebrated annually on August 19. This date was established by environmental organizations not occasionally. They created it in order to draw the attention of the wide world community to the threat of the complete extermination of these amazing features.
Indeed, in half a century “forest people”, this is how the name of this species of monkeys can be translated from the Malay, can completely disappear from the face of our planet. Their number in nature has more than halved in recent decades and currently does not exceed several tens of thousands.
All three currently existing orangutan species live only in the jungles of Borneo and Sumatra. There, their natural range is rapidly declining due to vigorous economic activity. Forests are being cut down and replaced by plantations of tropical crops.
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Following the modern scientists global deforestation, logging, oil palm growing, mining and paper mills are considered to be the main cause for the disappearance of these beautiful animals.
However, a study published in the journal Current Biology also found that animals “disappear” from areas where forests remain. Unfortunately, this means that a large number of orangutans are simply ruthlessly destroyed.
Definition
Discovering the question “When is International Orangutan Day in 2024?” we should admit some essential pieces of information. Unfortunately, we have to admit that as it has been already mentioned above these powerful and intelligent creatures have become the victims of the modern civilization. The matter is that in order to get the palm oil, which is a popular ingredient in the modern culinary industry, people cut the trees in huge amounts. In some regions the animals are just starving.
Moreover, poaching with zoo smuggling also makes its black contribution. Thus, the most effective way to protect orangutans is to protect their habitat. This is possible if a large number of nature reserves and national parks are created, as well as there should be perhaps the partial or even total refusal to import palm oil. In addition, international conservation organizations are now creating centers for the reproduction and maintenance of reserve populations of orangutans. This is done for their subsequent return (reintroduction) into nature.
Some time ago these animal were spread widely throughout the South-East part of Asia as well as Indochina. However, nowadays they are found mostly in the north regions of the territories mentioned above. The significant part of the mammals lives in the valley districts of the island of Sumatra and in the island of Kalimantan, which is in Borneo.
The animals live in thick jungles, the forests which cover lowlands and hills. They also can be met in two-tiered forests and forests in peat bogs. There the orangutans are considered to be arboreal inhabitants. The locals even call them “forest people”.
Traditions
When is Orangutan Day in 2024, calendar will surely remind you and it is not a serious problem to memorize the date. Why? The matter is that the special occasion has a fixed date of its celebration, so you can be involved every August 19th you would like to do it.
As you perhaps understand there are no special rules for celebration. However, you are always free to create a real holiday for yourself as well as for your surroundings. Try to spend this day close to nature. For example, visit the local zoo or even a game reserve. If there are no any orangutans in your region, discover something new devoted to these amazing creatures.
Nowadays there have been a lot of films, documentaries, newspapers, magazines and internet articles about them. The choices are really endless and it is only up to you to choose.
All in all, August 19th is a convenient time for cozy gatherings. What about a thematic party? Would you like to have it? Invite your friends or just mates and ask them to find something interesting about orangutans. You may have a cool discussion afterwards.
World Orangutan Day Facts
Talking about the question โWhat is the date of Orangutan Day?โ we canโt but mention some amazing facts concerning these amazing creatures. Are you ready? Here is our list.
- The average mammal weighs up to 100 kg. It sounds impressive, doesnโt it? Moreover, its arm span is 2 m. The orangutan is usually of 1.5 m high;
- In captivity this animal can live up to 60 years;
- 90% of the time they spend at the tops of trees, feeding mainly on plant foods;
- In wild nature, groups are not usually created. They prefer being alone. The only exception is a mother with a child;
- Their DNA is 97% similar to human;
- These animals can use primitive tools of labor and express their feelings with a wide range of sounds. Besides it, they can use the so-called “reciprocity by calculation”, which implies weighing the costs and benefits of exchanging gifts;
- Orangutans are considered to be extremely intelligent. Taking into account the long list of their skills and abilities, the Dutchman Jacobus Bontius, who was the first to describe the species in 1631, reported that, according to the Malays, orangutans can speak, but are silent, “so that they are not forced to work.”
