What can you do or what has been done to help save orangutans?

There are two main threats to orangutans (habitat loss and hunting), and there are several ways that we can help them.

1. Do not buy palm oil or products that contain it. The palm oil industry is rapidly expanding, and that means that the rainforest habitat where orangutans live is being converted to palm plantations. This is causing a significant amount of their habitat loss.

2. Buy FSC (forest stewardship council) Certified wood and paper products. These are harvested sustainably, unlike most wood and paper, that is harvested illegally and irresponsibly, and contributes to habitat loss.

3. Donate money to organizations such as the WWF who protect wild animals from poachers.

You asked about what has been done, I know of a few things. There are laws that make hunting them, as well as capturing them for the pet trade illegal (Although some people still do it illegally). I believe small amounts of their habitat have been set aside as wildlife preserves. And there are small organizations that work to rehabilitate and release orphaned orangutans back into the wild.