Orangutans are highly intelligent and 97% genetically similar to humans. Their forests in Indonesia and Malaysia are being destroyed for palm oil plantations, threatening the orangutan population. While palm oil could be grown on purchased land, companies choose to clear cut forests for economic reasons, prioritizing profits over protecting orangutans. Auckland Zoo is working to raise awareness about palm oil's role in deforestation and encourages avoiding products containing palm oil or related ingredients to help orangutans.