Pongo

Pongo is the genus of orangutans, the great apes native to Southeast Asia. They form the genus Pongo within the subfamily Ponginae and include three living species: Pongo pygmaeus (Bornean orangutan), Pongo abelii (Sumatran orangutan), and Pongo tapanuliensis (Tapanuli orangutan). Found in the forested regions of Borneo and Sumatra, orangutans are highly arboreal, with long arms and reddish-brown fur. They are among the most intelligent primates, displaying complex social behavior, advanced problem-solving abilities, and use of tools. Reproduction is slow, with females giving birth after long intervals.

All three Pongo species are threatened by habitat loss, forest fragmentation, hunting, and the illegal pet trade. Pongo pygmaeus and Pongo abelii are listed as Endangered and Critically Endangered respectively on the IUCN Red List, with Pongo tapanuliensis newly described as a distinct species and also Critically Endangered; together, orangutans face significant risk of extinction without sustained conservation efforts.

In popular culture, Pongo is the name of the male Dalmatian in Dodie Smith's 1956 novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians and its Disney adaptations. In the 1961 animated film, Pongo and his mate Perdita are the parents of a large litter of Dalmatian puppies whom Cruella de Vil seeks to capture; the story follows the dogs' efforts to rescue them.