Person of the Forest

MELISSA LESH

Director(s):

In the vanishing lowland rainforests of Borneo, new research is underway to uncover and understand the unique cultural behaviors in wild orangutans, before it’s too late. There, photographer Tim Laman, researcher Cheryll Knott and young explorer Robert Suro have documented orangutans making pillows, fashioning umbrellas and displaying regional greetings. The project, 20 years in the making, offers a fascinating glimpse into the habits of wild orangutans, as well as a window into human evolution. With their habitat disappearing at an alarming rate, this research may prove to be key in protecting this critically endangered species.