Orangutan Diaries

At one time, the island of Borneo was thickly forested, making it an ideal habitat for the reclusive orangutan. Unfortunately, the world's need for timber and palm oil has led to massive destruction of Borneo's forests, resulting in the death of many orangutans (or capture to be sold as pets). This BBC series follows the dramatic, urgent mission of the Borneo Orangutan Foundation, comprised of workers and volunteers who rescue or confiscate young orphans, with the goal of rehabilitating and returning them to safe areas of the wild. Hosts Steve Leonard and Michaela Strachan follow this story, beginning with the collection of injured or traumatized orphans, who require treatment and love from doctors and "babysitters." Orangutans can live up to 50 years, remain in trees for two years without touching ground, and usually stay with their mothers for the first eight years. Widely dispersed sources of food and fruit require the apes to be solitary creatures, coming together only during mating season. At the foundation each one of the 600 or so animals will be assessed, nursed, and treated for injuries and common diseases like malaria. In time, they are sent to "forest school" in order to learn (or refine) climbing and other skills they will need to survive. The final step before release takes the animals to an island where they enjoy open space and independence. The program follows workers on a "confiscation" mission, where they contend with muddy roads and wary, possibly hostile villagers. Education is part of the survival foundation's mission—a very necessary component in a rapidly developing country—with hopes of achieving understanding and cooperation from people who are struggling to live and eat. Offering a beautifully filmed and insightful look at these rare and endangered apes, Orangutan Diaries is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)