Starchild: Malaysian children showcase their art on orangutans

Ong Keat Hsin, 5

Orangutans are apes that live in the tropical rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo. They are the world’s largest tree-climbing animals and can live up to 40 years. In captivity, orangutans can survive for up to 60 years. They are known to be noisy animals. Their howls and bellows can be heard several kilometres away!

Sadly due to deforestation, these mammals are now endangered species.

International Orangutan Day was celebrated on Aug 19. Let’s hear what Starchild readers had to say on the topic, Orangutans Are Special.

Viknarubessh Nagaraja, seven

“Orangutans eat fruits and leaves. They also eat nuts, insects and bird eggs. Orangutans live on trees. These animals use their strong arm to swing from tree to tree, ” says Viknarubessh Nagaraja, seven.

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, five

Five-year-old Bethany Wang Qi Syuen thinks orangutans are gentle and clever animals. “They build a nest with branches in the tree to sleep every night. Baby orangutans ride on their mother’s body and learn everything from her until they are about seven years old.”

“Orang means person and utan means jungle. So orangutan means person of the jungle. These animals are patient, observant and intelligent, ” says Lakshmi Panicker, six.

Nayonikaa J Ratheen, six.

“Orangutans are playful creatures. They look similar to human beings. They love to eat bananas, ” says Nayonikaa J Ratheen, six.

Tharun Kandasamy, nine

“Orangutans are smart. They can solve problems and even use computers. Their big toes are able to grasp just like a hand, ” writes Kaylie Wong Min Way, five.

ITEM: What are some of the fun activities that you like to do with your family members? Do you enjoy going to the park or do you prefer to laze around the beach with your siblings? How about baking and cooking with Mummy? Family time is important as it allows children to further strengthen the bond with their parents. Tell us more.

All letters must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below), gender, e-mail, phone number and address. Please write your name behind the drawing and the topic, Get Together With Your Family, on the envelope. All letters must reach us by Sept 4. Send your letters to:

Starchild, c/o StarLifestyle

Star Media Group Bhd

Menara Star, 15, Jalan 16/11

46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

You can also e-mail your contributions to [e-mail]. Please put “STARCHILD” in the subject line of your e-mail. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200 dpi.