How Do Orangutans Learn to Build Perfect Nests?

Photo credit: Zac Mills, the Wildlife Collective

Orangutans, the heaviest tree-dwelling mammal, construct elaborate nests each night. These nests must be structurally sound to provide comfort and protection against predators, parasites, and heat loss. Building a safe and cosy nest is not easy!

Nest-building requires an understanding of wood properties and tree species, adaptable decision-making and refined motor skills. Young orangutans begin to show an interest in nest-building around six months old, but this is mostly through play.

Around the age of one, they will practice building day nests. By around 3 – 4 years, they practice night nests. Young orangutans learn by closely observing their peers and then putting it into practice. The more they observe, the more they practice. They perfect the skill around 8 years old.

Young orangutans pay closer attention when learning complex, multi-step construction. Although babies initially learn nest-building from their mothers, as they mature, they prefer learning from other adults. This expands their knowledge of suitable tree species beyond what their mothers teach them.

Interestingly, once they become adults, orangutans often revert to using the same tree species their mothers favoured. This highlights the importance of early learning. Across generations, this may lead to cultural variation in nest-building. Orangutans’ cognitive abilities never cease to amaze us!

References: Permana, Permana, Nellissen et al. (2025) Observational social learning of “know-how” and “know-what” in wild orangutans: evidence from nest-building skill acquisition. Commun Biol 8, 890