Apes are smart, strong animals that live in forests around the world. They swing from trees, use tools, and live in families just like us. There are different kinds of apes like gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and bonobos. Let’s learn more about these amazing A animals!
Watch an Ape in Action!
Apes love to play, climb, and explore. Watch this fun video to see how apes move and act in the wild.
What is an Ape?
Apes are big, smart animals that are part of the primate family. They do not have tails and are very similar to humans!
- Apes include gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and bonobos
- Apes use tools like sticks to find food
- They can walk on two legs but usually move on all fours
- Apes live in groups called troops or families
- They are very smart and can even learn sign language
Where do Apes live?
Apes live in warm, forested areas around the world. They build nests in trees and travel to find food.
- Gorillas and chimpanzees live in the forests of Africa
- Orangutans live in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra
- Bonobos are found only in the Democratic Republic of Congo
- They like places with lots of trees to climb and sleep in
What do Apes eat?
Apes eat many different foods found in the forest. They spend a lot of time looking for tasty snacks.
- Fruits and berries
- Leaves and flowers
- Nuts and seeds
- Insects like ants and termites
- Some apes eat small animals or eggs
How big is an Ape?
Apes can be very big or small, depending on the kind. Some are as big as a grown-up, and some are the size of a big dog.
- A gorilla can weigh as much as 400 pounds (181 kilograms)
- A chimpanzee is about 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall
- Orangutans have long arms that can stretch over 7 feet (2.1 meters)
- Some baby apes are small enough to hold in your arms
What sound do Apes make?
Apes make lots of different sounds to talk to each other. Some hoot, howl, or grunt to say hello, warn danger, or call their families.
Cool Ape Facts
Apes are full of surprises! Check out these fun facts about our primate pals.
- Apes don’t have tails
- They can recognize themselves in a mirror
- Gorillas can learn sign language
- Orangutans build new nests every night
- Some apes use sticks to get bugs out of trees
- Apes love to play and laugh
- Bonobos solve problems by hugging and sharing
- Apes can remember things just like people
Printables and Coloring Fun
Have fun with these ape-themed activities. Print, color, and play!
Apes in the Eco-System
Apes help keep forests healthy and strong. They spread seeds, make paths, and balance nature.
- Apes spread seeds by eating fruit
- They help create homes for other animals
- Some kinds of apes are endangered because of forest loss
- Gorillas and orangutans need our help to survive
- Apes are protected in special parks and reserves
Ask a Grown-Up to Help You Learn More
Here are some great places to learn more about apes with the help of a grown-up.
Fun Questions About Apes
No, apes do not have tails. That’s one way we can tell them apart from monkeys!
Yes! Apes are very smart and can even learn sign language and solve puzzles.
The gorilla is the biggest ape. It can weigh as much as a grown-up lion!
Yes, apes live in family groups and take care of each other.
Yes, apes like orangutans and chimpanzees swing through trees using their strong arms.
Baby apes look like tiny versions of their parents and love to cling to their moms.
Some apes can live 30 to 50 years, especially in safe places like zoos or nature parks.
Yes, most apes build nests in trees to sleep at night.
Wild apes can be strong and protective, but they are not usually dangerous if left alone.
Apes make loud sounds to talk to their group, scare away danger, or find each other in the forest.
Ways to Donate and Support Apes
Apes need help to protect their homes and families. You can support ape conservation by donating or adopting an ape with a grown-up’s help.
Sources: Wikipedia, Live Science, Creative Commons, Britannica.com and Freesound.org
Alphabetical list of animals that start with A
A full alphabetical list of popular animals that start with the letter A for toddlers and preschool kids.
- Aardvark
- Aardwolf
- Acorn Weevil
- African Wild Dog
- Albatross
- Alligator
- Allosaurus (Extinct)
- Alpaca
- Anaconda
- Anemone
- Angelfish
- Anglerfish
- Ant
- Anteater
- Antelope
- Ape
- Aphid
- Arctic Fox
- Arctic Hare
- Armadillo
- Axolotl
- Aye-Aye
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All animals A-Z
Animal phonics alphabet
Animals that start with common phonics digraphs
Animal facts for kids
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Try our Printable Alphabet Worksheets! Download a FREE SAMPLE or preview all 200+ on Etsy.com or TeachersPayTeachers.com