Even orangutan mothers go the extra mile to arrange playdates
A study of wild Bornean orangutans reveals that mothers actively navigate the forest to facilitate playdates for their offspring. This behavior challenges the perception of orangutans as solitary creatures.
Why it matters
Understanding the social development of great apes provides insights into the evolution of social behavior and parenting.
Orangutan mothers go to great lengths to care for their young, sometimes taking detours through the forest to give them opportunities to play with others. (Envato Elements pic)
PETALING JAYA: Any parent who has spent their weekend ferrying children to playdates might find a kindred spirit in the forests of Borneo. As it turns out, orangutan mothers also go out of their way to ensure their little ones have someone to play with.
And just like their human counterparts, these devoted mums sometimes sacrifice their own time and energy to keep the children entertained.
A recent study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that wild Bornean orangutan mothers deliberately adjust their movements through the forest to bring their young into contact with suitable playmates.
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