Orangutan Caring Week
Orangutan Caring Week is observed each year beginning on November 8. The week draws attention to orangutans, the threats they face and the people working to protect them. It also gives families, schools and communities a reason to learn about these great apes and consider how everyday choices can affect their forest homes.
How Orangutan Caring Week started
The exact origin and founding details of Orangutan Caring Week are not well documented, so it’s best not to attach the observance to a particular founder or start date. Its purpose is clear: to encourage care for orangutans and support awareness of their conservation.
The name refers to orangutans, whose name comes from Malay and Indonesian words meaning “person of the forest.” The observance focuses on their lives in the wild as well as the work of caregivers, conservation groups and local communities. Activities may include talks, educational events, fundraising and campaigns that help people understand the challenges orangutans face.
Orangutans and their forest homes
Wild orangutans live on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra in Southeast Asia. They spend much of their time in trees, where they find food, rest and travel through the forest. Orangutans are known for their intelligence and their use of objects as tools, though their behavior varies with their surroundings and circumstances.
Forest loss is a serious threat. Logging, land clearing and other changes to habitat can break up the connected areas orangutans need to find food and move safely. Orangutans may also be harmed by illegal capture and trade. Protecting forests and supporting responsible conservation efforts are important parts of addressing these pressures.
Conservation work can include safeguarding habitat, caring for orangutans that have been rescued, and helping rehabilitated animals return to the wild when possible. Local communities are central to this work. Their knowledge, livelihoods and participation matter to long-term forest protection.
Ways to take part
- Read a book or watch a reputable educational program about orangutans, then talk with children about what they learned and why forest habitat matters.
- Look for an established conservation organization that works with orangutans or protects their habitat. Learn how it operates before donating, fundraising or sharing its campaigns.
- Ask a local library, school or community center about hosting an orangutan-themed reading, art activity or short presentation during the week.
- Check product labels and company information when shopping for goods associated with forest land use, such as paper or products containing palm oil. Choose options with credible sustainability information when available.
- Share accurate information about orangutans and their habitat, and avoid wildlife photos or videos that may promote unsafe handling or treating wild animals as pets.
- Make a simple forest-inspired craft, such as a paper-leaf collage, and use it to start a conversation about the places orangutans need to live.
When is Orangutan Caring Week?
Orangutan Caring Week: Every year on the second Sunday of November.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 8 – November 14 | Sunday – Saturday |
| 2027 | November 14 – November 20 | Sunday – Saturday |
| 2028 | November 12 – November 18 | Sunday – Saturday |
| 2029 | November 11 – November 17 | Sunday – Saturday |
| 2030 | November 10 – November 16 | Sunday – Saturday |
Reviewed by the Holiday List editorial team on November 5, 2026 · Last updated November 5, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When is Orangutan Caring Week in 2026?
Orangutan Caring Week is on Sunday, November 8, 2026. After that, it falls on Sunday, November 14, 2027. Every year on the second Sunday of November.
Is Orangutan Caring Week a public holiday?
No. Orangutan Caring Week is an observance, not an official public holiday, so schools and businesses stay open as usual.
What is Orangutan Caring Week?
Orangutan Caring Week raises awareness of orangutans, the threats they face and efforts to protect them. It also encourages people to learn how everyday choices can affect orangutans’ forest homes.
How did Orangutan Caring Week start?
The exact origin and founding details of Orangutan Caring Week aren't well documented. Its purpose is to encourage care for orangutans and support conservation awareness.
How can I take part in Orangutan Caring Week?
Learn about orangutans and their habitat, support an established conservation organization, or ask a school or library about hosting an educational activity. You can also check product information for credible sustainability details and share accurate information about orangutans.
