The King of the Apes

Adam is the largest known Orangutan on Earth. He resides at a reserve in Kuching, Sarawak, one of two Malaysian Territories on Borneo, the planet’s third largest island. The third largest Island on the planet.

I had watched him eat on the safety of his platform only moments before. Fed by his familiar feeder, only a rope separates him and family from onlookers. Apparently, they pose little danger to humans, preferring to avoid us altogether, unless we lure them with fruit. To that end, the bags we wear pique their curiosity.

I learned this the hard way when Adam, uncharacteristically, appeared on the public pathway. While there were about twenty five onlookers on other side of me, I was isolated between them, quite a distance from the tourists, but only arm’s length from Adam. Fortunately, my iPhone Camera was on. Unfortunately, my Polaroid was in it’s case hanging across my body. Adam was interested. He swiped toward me. I managed to dodge him and give him ample space.

He makes his way onto the path and quickly realizes that he’s surrounded on all sides. Shockingly, having seen him engage with me, and having heard me scream at them to give him space, the stupid humans refuse to put their phones down and let him cross the path into the other side of the jungle. He swipes at them twice, aggressively, this time.

Great content from an insane scenario. My adrenaline was surging for days, having realized how close I came to risking both of our lives. Had Adam attacked me in earnest, he would’ve been killed to protect me. That said, it was a privilege to be in his presence. He’s absolutely majestic. I hope as many people as possible prioritize ethical, respectful encounter with wildlife in their natural habitat so they might prioritize the preservation of this planet as a whole. We have a greater opportunity to save this planet than develop another.

Portraits in Papua

…and now, your moment of zen.

On Solo Travel