ORANGUTANS at Dudley Zoo were seeing double when they were showed portraits of themselves for the first time.

Four Bornean orangs, Benji, Jorong, Jazz and Sprout were shown portraits of themselves created by artist David Skidmore, as orangutans are one of only a few species who are able to recognise their own image.

The limited edition paintings were donated by David to the zoo in aid of the it's £800,000 outdoor enclosure appeal.

One quarter of his 100 prints have already been sold.

Senior Primate Keeper Sian-Leigh Simner unveiled the portraits to to seven-year-old Sprout and 41-year-old Benji, who appeared to be interested in the work.

Sian explained: “Orangs, chimps and dolphins are believed to be the only animals capable of recognising their own picture or reflection so when I showed Sprout and Benji their faces on the canvas, they took a very close look at it.

"Sprout was particularly interested and kept staring at the image and pointing at her portrait, unlike mum Jazz who was too busy enjoying her breakfast of carrot, celery, apple and pellets.”

She added: "The youngster was a great critic and certainly approved of the spectacular montage which will help pull in funds to build a new outdoor home for our orangs.”

The limited edition canvasses, titled 'We're Appealing!' and signed by the artist with a certificate of authenticity are on sale now.