Orangutans live in the tropical and swampy forests of Borneo and Sumatra in Southeast Asia. These furry red great apes are the largest arboreal mammals and the only great apes found in Asia. Other great apes -- gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos -- are native to Africa.
Long, flowing red hair covers most of the orangutan's gray skin. Its stocky body has a flexible pelvis, thick neck and arched legs. The orangutan's arms are longer than the legs, reaching almost to the ankles when the monkey stands up. Like other great apes, orangutans have no tails. Orangutans spend most of their time in trees, swinging confidently from branch to branch. Their long fingers and toes easily grab onto branches and vines. Their arms are longer than their bodies, their fingers are long and strong, their feet are flexible, and life in the trees is good for them. In fact, when orangutans use their arms like we use crutches, or raise their arms above their heads when they walk, they look a little awkward on the ground. Adult male orangutans are much larger than adult females.