* Indigenous Knowledge: Orangutans have been known to indigenous populations in Borneo and Sumatra for millennia. These communities have a deep understanding of the animals and their place in the ecosystem.
* Western Records: The earliest Western records of orangutans date back to the 17th century. Dutch explorer, Jan Nieuhof, wrote about the orangutan in 1669, describing it as a "wild man of the woods." However, even earlier European accounts might exist that have not been preserved.
Therefore, while we can say when Europeans started documenting orangutans, it's more accurate to acknowledge that they have long been known and understood by the people who live alongside them.
