Scientists were shocked recently to discover orangutans learning to swim across rivers and fish with sticks (2). The orangutans were observed swimming across a river to gain access to some of their favorite fruits on Kaja island in Borneo. Orangutans were previously thought to be non-swimmers.
The experts were equally surprised to see an orangutan pick up a tree branch and stun a fish before eating it. Other apes introduced to the island were seen trying to spear fish with sticks after watching fishermen using rods. The apes quickly worked out that it was even easier to steal fish from unattended lines used by the humans on the island. The apes live in Borneo and Sumatra and are regarded by some as second only to humans in intelligence. They are threatened with extinction as their habitats diminish.
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