Orangutans are one of the most popular primates in zoos and wildlife parks. Their distinctive red fur and expressive face always draw a crowd.

Did you know that the Malay word orangutan means “man of the forest”? These apes spend most of their time living in the trees. They build nests made of leaves for sleeping at night and lounging during the day. Unfortunately, orangutans are endangered. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Bornean sub-species of orangutan as Endangered and the Sumatran sub-species as Critically Endangered.

Found only in Borneo and Sumatra, wild orangutan populations are under tremendous pressure from habitat loss and poaching. The main threats are:

• Deforestation and loss of habitat

• Illegal hunting

• Expansion of palm oil plantations

• Selling baby orangutans as pets

Orangutans live up to 50 years, but because females reproduce once every 5-10 years maintaining the population is difficult. Loss of habitat is especially tough on conservation projects. Despite all this, conservation efforts continue to succeed. The Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) project has released 500 orangutans back into the wild. BOS researchers just celebrated the successful birth of a baby in the Kehje Sewen Forest, by a rehabilitated orangutan named Lesan.

As you can imagine, research and conservation efforts are critical for the survival of the orangutan as well as other apes. Otto Environmental is dedicated to supporting these efforts by providing the tools you need to accomplish this important conservation work.

One of the most important factors in working with these highly intelligent and strong apes is having a safe and secure enclosure. Captive orangutans have a long history of finding ways to escape enclosures by figuring out how to defeat latches and claps, even using objects as tools. Large primates like orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, gibbons, and other species often require a large cage or enclosure. Off-the-shelf enclosures may not meet the needs of the animal or the facility. We are often called upon to help design and manufacture unique caging solutions for zoos, animal parks, exotic veterinary clinics, universities, and research centers. Our animal enclosures can be customized to meet your requirements. Whether it is a veterinary restraint cage or a rolling animal transport cart, we can build it.

All of our enclosures, doors, and transport carts are made of 304 stainless steel. All hardware including hinges, wheels, and latches are of the highest quality for years of trouble-free service.

The fit and finish are truly exceptional. We do not cut corners! At Otto Environmental we never stop working on ways to make your important conservation and research projects easier and even more successful. If you have questions about enclosures or need help with a project, please contact us and we’ll help you find the right solution!