We traveled through Borneo in hopes of seeing wild orangutans knowing that they only exist here and in a few colonies in Sumatra, dwindling in numbers due to habitat loss. We were so thrilled but a bit intimidated as this one came very near to us with a wee babe in her clutches! She gave us a hard stare and a few grunts but then went about foraging for fruits in the canopy.
Two more females followed her, moving the whole forest it seemed as they swung from tree to tree pulling their way across the jungle, never touching the floor. This one seemed to be a juvenile as well. She was quit playful, boring quickly of the slow eating and jumped around in the branches but stayed near by her family.
The last orangutan in the group was shyest of all but did seem interested enough to give us a quick look. We were utterly still watching them move and interact and forage. They were all so gentle with the youngest. It was incredible to be so close to such intelligent and inquisitive cousins of ours out in the wilds. We were humbled beyond belief in this experience.
