Even Apes Know How Important Handwashing Is, And This Young Orangutan Is Proof

The Smithsonian Channel has released an adorable and informative clip from their educational docuseries, Orangutan Jungle School. Watch as a young and earnest orangutan applies her classroom lesson and happily practices teaching herself how to wash her hands. Classes during the 10-episode season take place in the forest school from the orangutan's natural habitat.

Now available to watch on Smithsonian Channel Plus, the Orangutan Jungle School takes place within the Indonesian forest school known as Nyaru Menteng. Run by the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation, the orphaned apes are taught necessary life lessons, such as washing their hands. These valuable lessons will teach the orphans how survive in the wild. Just like any other school, the orangutans have to attend class and get good grades in order to graduate.

On March 17, from the show's Facebook page, the BOS Foundation officially closed the rehabilitation centers to the public for the time being, due to the coronavirus outbreak. The orangutans and their teachers are susceptible to the virus. The babysitters and veterinarians are integral in keeping the orangutans safe from contracting the virus.

Watch as Cinta demonstrates how to wash her hands. During the clip, Cinta stands close to the body of water and imitates an important lesson from her human babysitters. Just like humans do at their sink, Cinta washes their hands with water. Cinta rubs her hands back and forth, splashing water between her fingers.

The Narrator adds, "Clearly, Cinta has been paying attention in class."

Cinta has definitely been following the recommendation handed out by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One of the best ways to prevent the spread of the virus is to wash your hands frequently. In you noticed in the footage, Cinta was washing her hands in the right amount of time, 20 seconds.

Be smart like Cinta and wash your hands.