Visitor Receives Unforgettable 'Thank You' As He Throws A Treat Towards Orangutan At Zoo

Sep 27, 2021

Most of us don't always know that animals are not just intelligent and sensitive creatures but that they can react in ways that are quite "human." Time and again, people are surprised by reactions from their pets, such as dogs showing loyalty and love that cannot be surpassed, or cats showing kindness and understanding that can make anyone's day much better. Horses are also creatures that have unexpectedly interacted with humans.

When we go to a zoo, we are generally treated to a wide variety of animals that we never have the chance to see otherwise. From ferocious tigers to lanky giraffes, going to a zoo can be a delight for all members of the family. And sometimes surprising things can happen when animals at the zoo show us their intelligent side!

A gentleman named Vitaly R. was shocked at the funny reaction he received from an adorable orangutan at the Bali Zoo in Indonesia back in 2016. After throwing the orangutan a snack, Vitaly received a delightful thankful gesture from the primate in return that he did not expect. The orangutan thanked him by throwing him back a thank you banana that seemed as though it was a trade of sorts. This clever orangutan made the day for all the visitors at the zoo who clamored around the area to see the interaction. It's likely that neither Vitaly nor the onlookers had any idea that they would be seeing such a smart primate! We are sure this video will make your day as well. 

The Bali Zoo is home to many wonderful animals. Visitors will find saltwater crocodiles and African lions when they visit, among other animals they rarely get to see. Most of the animals are highly exotic in zoos, so we rarely think of them as having human-like qualities. However, this clever orangutan showed viewers that animals are more like humans than we can imagine! When Vitaly first gestures to the orangutan that he wants to throw a snack, the orangutan doesn't really show any interest. A dejected Vitaly is seen walking away, but we see that by then the orangutan has extended a hand to catch. 

Excitedly, Vitaly turns back to the primate as his friend who is recording the video presumably tells him that there is a reaction. Thus begins the little exchange between the two; Vitaly throws the primate the snack he had been saving for it, which is quickly devoured. By this time, a crowd is slowly gathering around the enclosure. The orangutan looks satisfied with the exchange, and Vitaly then begins to ask the orangutan to pass something back to him, possibly as a joke. However, the orangutan understands perfectly what he is saying!

He finds the banana that is next to him and picks it up, all the while as Vitaly stretches his hand out to catch it. What he does next scares some of the onlookers because the orangutan raises his arms above him as though he would chuck the banana in a malicious manner. Vitaly remains unfazed and actually looks quite excited about the development. 

Before he does anything, Mr. Orangutan looks around cautiously, as if he is looking to see if he is being watched. This smart primate probably wants to make sure that he won't get in trouble for making his trade. When the orangutan finally does throw the banana at Vitaly, it becomes clear that there is absolutely no malice behind the act. The banana lands quite slowly and comfortably into Vitaly's outstretched hands, and the crowd is thoroughly entertained by these antics. It isn't every day that a game of catch between a zoo animal and a human happens! 

Vitaly and his friend seem to be extra happy that this happened as well. They both let out a happy laugh, and Vitaly attempts the same thing again. He throws the banana back to the orangutan who catches it with ease. Once again, he looks around to see if anyone is watching him, and when he knows he is safe, he throws the banana back to Vitaly in the same manner. The whole crowd can be seen smiling as the action is repeated, and Vitaly and his friend both decide to stop the exchange. However, it is clear that this back and forth has left both of them overjoyed, especially since they were able to capture the whole thing on camera. 

The video was uploaded back in 2016, and in the last few years has gathered over a whopping 39 million views and over 12,000 comments! Most of the comments are funny takes on what the ape might be thinking, as well as a few jokes. 

It looks like this exchange entertained more people than Vitaly might have imagined.

A study has found that orangutans may be the closest living relatives to humans, as per National Geographic. However, not everyone is a fan of this study in the scientific world, as the evidence linking humans to chimpanzees has much more support. Center for Great Apes reports that both orangutans and chimpanzees fall under the umbrella of "great apes," with the two other apes in the group being gorillas and bonobos. There are also "lesser apes," which are gibbons and siamangs. 

Among the orangutans, there are three species: the Bornean, the Sumatran and according to the World Wildlife Federation, the recently confirmed new species (as of 2017), the Tapanuli. This species of apes are only found in the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, and all three species are critically endangered. Orangutans are the largest tree-dwelling animals and need vast stretches of forest to find mates and enough food.

Due to the rampant deforestation in the islands, these apes' lives are severely threatened. Moreover, climate change has also led to a spike in forest fires, which have also reduced forest areas. While there have been strides to curb deforestation efforts, it is still a long way until the species are protected and can flourish once again. We hope that as time goes by, the homes of these wonderful creatures are restored and biodiversity can prosper once more. Videos like the one below show us that animals are similar to humans in many ways, including intellect and emotions, and that we can always connect to them. 

What did you think of this delightful video? Do you know any other stories of apes and humans entertaining each other this way? Tell us about your experiences and pass this on to others who love animals as much as we do!