Great Ape Teeth: More Like Ours Than You Think

Have you ever noticed just how impressive the teeth of orangutans and chimpanzees can be?

Whether it's a playful grin from young orangutan Cahaya or the striking smile of chimpanzee Murray, every set of great ape teeth tells an interesting story about growth, communication, and life in the wild.

Just like humans, both orangutans and chimpanzees develop baby teeth that are eventually replaced by adult teeth as they mature. In fact, adult great apes have the same number of teeth that we do—32.

Young apes begin losing their baby teeth during childhood, with adult teeth gradually emerging throughout adolescence.

Each type of tooth serves an important purpose. Incisors help bite into food, molars grind fruits, vegetables, and other foods, while canine teeth have evolved for more than just eating.

One of the biggest differences visitors notice between chimpanzees and orangutans is the size of those canine teeth—especially in adult male chimpanzees like Murray. Male chimps often develop large, prominent canines that play an important role in social communication and displays. These impressive teeth can help convey status and send messages to other chimpanzees without a single sound being made.

Chimpanzees even have a special gap in their tooth row, called a diastema, that allows their large canine teeth to fit comfortably when their mouths are closed.

Orangutans also have large canine teeth, particularly adult males, but their teeth are often less noticeable in everyday expressions. Youngsters like six-year-old Cahaya are still in the process of trading baby teeth for adult ones, making this stage of development very similar to what human children experience.

Of course, healthy teeth are important for apes just as they are for people. Throughout their lives, orangutans and chimpanzees can experience worn, broken, or damaged teeth. That's why regular dental monitoring is an important part of the veterinary care provided at the Center for Great Apes. Our veterinary team carefully watches for signs of dental problems and works with specialists whenever treatment is needed.



The next time you see one of our residents flashing a smile, take a closer look. Those teeth aren't just impressive—they're an important part of what makes each ape uniquely adapted to their world.

One More Weekend to Grab

Your Favorite Ape Apparel

If you've been thinking about ordering one of our limited-edition Bonfire shirts, consider this your friendly reminder: time is running out.

There's just one weekend left to shop both our brand-new design and our collection of returning throwback favorites.

This year's new design features orangutan Linus and chimpanzee Oopsie, bringing both species together in one artwork that celebrates two of the sanctuary's most beloved residents.

We're also thrilled by the response to our throwback collection featuring Bailey, Louie, Murray, and Natsu. Many supporters have shared memories of owning these original designs years ago, while others are discovering them for the very first time.

Whether you're adding to your collection, replacing a well-loved favorite, or purchasing your first Center for Great Apes shirt, every order helps support the daily care of the 71 orangutans and chimpanzees living at the sanctuary.

The campaign closes at the end of the day on Monday, June 29th and these designs will not remain available afterward. Don't wait until it's too late—shop the collection today!

Make a Difference with Roots and Shoots

Looking for a way to make a difference? Join the Center for Great Apes Roots & Shoots Chapter, part of the global program founded by Dr. Jane Goodall that brings people together to help animals, people, and the environment through meaningful community projects. Our new chapter is growing, and we would love to have you join us as we work together to do good.



To learn more or get involved, email rootsandshoots@centerforgreatapes.org

Employment Opportunities

We are seeking passionate individuals who share our commitment to the well-being of these remarkable great apes. We are currently seeking:

• Chimpanzee Caregiver

If you possess the skills and experience we are looking for (or know someone who does), we encourage you to apply today! You can visit our employment page on the website for more details on these positions and the application process.

As we head into the warmer summer months, the sanctuary will be taking a short seasonal break from tours and special events. Our educational tours and events will resume in the fall when cooler temperatures make visits more comfortable for both our guests and the apes. Be sure to keep an eye on our Upcoming Events page and follow us on social media for announcements about new programs, tours, and special opportunities later this year.

Other Ways To Help

Thank you for supporting the Center for Great Apes!