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Spikey green durian's cracked open revealing red and white insides.

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Durian season

This large, pungent fruit is a seasonal favourite for orangutans and has many benefits.

From July to early October the roadsides in and around Sandakan are busy with locals selling durians they have grown. The fruit is somewhat of a local delicacy to Malaysians but is also known as 'vomit fruit' to those less used to its pungent aroma! The large fruit has a tough, outer-layer covered in small spikes that protects the soft, fleshy fruit inside.

Durians piled up high on top of each other

Durian are not just popular with people in Borneo, but also the wildlife – especially orangutans! This can sometimes cause conflict between the growers, who depend on their harvest for income, and the animals, who rely on wild fruits for survival. We are pleased to provide this seasonal favourite to the orangutans at Sepilok and in doing so supporting the locals that sell them.

An adult female orangutan eating durian fruit

Although spiky and thick, orangutans make short work of breaking through the durian skin to access the fruit inside. Their strong jaws, opposable thumbs on hands and feet, big teeth and overall intelligence make them masters! Practice helps as well, and learning how to open difficult fruits like this is an important skill that young orangutans learn by watching their peers.

Nutritionally, durians are rich in vitamins and minerals that boost energy levels, increase immunity and provide hydration. They are high in fibre which is not a problem for orangutans, who have a digestive system that has evolved to successfully process this sort of diet.

An adult male orangutan with three durians, one in each and and another in front of him as he eats them.
orangutan hand holding durian close up
orangutan hand holding durian close up

Orangutans are often referred to as 'gardeners of the forest'. This is because they disperse fruit seeds as they travel through the rainforest canopy. Sometimes the seeds are digested and passed through their gut and other times the seeds are discarded and dropped. Once they reach the forest floor, they have the chance to grow into a new tree that will provide fruit for future generations of orangutan and other wildlife.

orangutan hand on durian close up

You can help us purchase more before the fruiting season is over!

A donation of £10 could provide the orangutans at Sepilok with durian and in return you'll receive a special certificate of thanks by email.

Donate now
Sample of durian gift for the orangutans certificate with a orangutan eating durian.

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