An orangutan born at Perth Zoo has been released into the Sumatran jungle as part of a world-leading program.

The male orangutan, named Nyaru, is the third to be released from the zoo.

The eight-year-old ape was put through "Jungle School" ahead of its departure - learning to find food and water, make a nest and stay in the trees.

"His natural skills and the skills we had taught him before leaving the zoo enabled him to explore and settle into his new world," Perth Zoo primate supervisor Holly Thompson said.

"It was amazing to watch an animal I have known since birth navigate the jungle canopy."

Nyaru has been fitted with a radio transmitter and will be tracked by biologists for up to two years through the dense terrain.

Perth Zoo is the only zoo in the world releasing Sumatran orangutans into the wild.

A previous release, a male named Semeru, died from a snake bite two years after its arrival in the rainforest.

Temara made world history in 2006 as the first zoo-born Sumatran Orangutan to be released.

The ape was tracked for three years while it settled into the jungle.

Nyaru is the third orangutan to be released by Perth Zoo's program. ( Supplied: Perth Zoo )

Zoo staff said Nyaru had already shown interest in a female.

"The ultimate goal for Nyaru is that he fully adjusts to life in the forest and ultimately fathers young," Ms Thompson said.

"Judging by his strong interest in this female, we have high hopes he'll do us proud."

Nyaru was released into a protected rainforest in Indonesia with other orangutans that had been orphaned or rescued from the illegal pet trade.

It is hoped they will establish a sustainable population in the wild.

Fewer than 6,500 Sumatran orangutans remain in the wild and the species is listed as critically endangered.

The main threats include habitat loss and poaching for the illegal wildlife trade.