British scientists have discovered that orangutans communicate using gestures, almost like sign language.

Experts spent nine months studying apes in three European zoos and discovered they frequently used 40 different body language signals to send messages such as ‘I want to play’, ‘follow me’, or ‘give it to me’.

The study by two scientists from the University of St Andrews observed 28 orangutans and saw them perform clowning antics when they wanted to play like blowing raspberries and doing backwards rolls.

They also witnessed the apes nudge and shoo away other orangutans when they wanted to be left alone and put their hand to their mouths if they wanted food.