Orangutans are undeniably some of the most intelligent and resourceful primates on the planet. When mother CaShawna Wright took her 1-year-old son Cruse to the Los Angeles Zoo, she and her friend were unaware of the potential hijinks that were about to occur.
When they stumbled across the orangutan exhibit, one curious primate had already caught their attention. As they watched, Cruse threw his bottle into a pool of water, just a few feet away from the fence. While Wright’s friend called the zoo to report the incident, onlookers watched as the orangutan observed the bottle with fascination.
What happened next was truly remarkable. The orangutan left the exhibit and returned with a long strip of brown paper that was already in the cage with them. It then proceeded to fashion the paper into a hook, slipping it through the gaps of the fence and hooking it around the bottle. After pulling the bottle towards itself, the orangutan cradled it in its arms, before taking a drink from the bottle which was filled with apple juice.
Wright’s video of the incident quickly went viral on TikTok, garnering 22.4 million views with over 2 million likes and nearly 25,000 comments. People were amazed by the primate’s resourcefulness, with many commenting on its intelligence.
Representatives at the Los Angeles Zoo chose not to comment on the video, and instead pointed to a page on its website about the Bornean Orangutan, which emphasizes their keen use of tools and overall intellect. It’s no wonder, then, that orangutans have a documented history of tool use. In the wild, they have been known to use branches as poles, hammers, and rakes to poke termite holes, test the depth of water, or reach their favorite fruit. They have even been known to engage in deceptive behavior to outwit their partners.
Unfortunately, both Bornean and Sumatran orangutans are endangered, having experienced “sharp population declines” due to deforestation. While Wright’s video was undeniably cute, she hopes it can encourage people to learn more about other endangered species and the devastating effects deforestation has on wildlife.
Ultimately, Wright’s video of the orangutan’s resourcefulness and intelligence serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the natural world for the benefit of all species.
