Sumatran and Bornean orangutans face accelerating habitat loss as palm oil plantations expand into the last intact tropical forests of Southeast Asia.
Orangutans displaced by forest clearance face starvation, dehydration, and conflict with plantation workers. Orphaned infants — whose mothers are often killed — require years of intensive care and rehabilitation. Forest fires set to clear land trap and burn animals that cannot escape rapidly enough. Each individual represents years of irreplaceable parental investment.