See orangutans in the wild

“We approached a large tree, and fingers pointed to a swaying branch tops. Priscilla Christin, YKAN’s communications director, whispered, “It’s up there.” I looked, and at first could see only a lot of rustling. I kept my eyes on that movement, and…there. An arm. A long, red, very hairy arm. It reached out and plucked something off a branch.”

“The guide immediately took off at a trot, me scrambling to keep up. A whoop echoed through the forest. An orangutan? No, a guide up ahead signaling he had spotted an orangutan. Our pace quickened and we headed off trail. I slipped on mud, tripped over tree roots. My ratty quick-dry pants shredded as they hit thorns. I felt almost indescribably happy.”

“We sat down again to take our time to admire him. It looks so effortless when orangutans hang in the trees and swing from branch to branch. This young orangutan had decided to stop his journey directly above us. I was thrilled and looked over to James, just in time to see his face change. He jumped up and said “Oh boy”. I was just in time to do the same, because our friend, who was literally above our heads, had decided to take a leak!”