Despite their striking resemblance to humans in development, orangutans are, by far, the least studied species of great ape. This want in the literature is even greater in the case of Sumatran orangutans. In this talk, I will briefly go over the study of play in great apes from a comparative perspective. I will comment on what little has been said about play in orangutans, explaining the low quantity of studies in relation to their arboreal lifestyle and technical limitations that have now been overcome, paving the way for new studies that will shed light on the behavior of our most mysterious cousins. During the talk, I will also stress how much is to be gained from studying these creatures in their natural habitat by applying new methodologies that have been made possible thanks to technological progress.

Juan is planning to apply for grants to do his PhD within the PLAYTrack Project, so please come to give him feedback and advice!!!