About the Otrangutan and vanishing forest habitats
The Orangutan, the third species of large apes (the others: Gorilla, Chimps/Bonobo) is under threat of extinction. Massive logging of hardwood forest and ‘jungle-burning’ for agricultural land creation has caused a dwindling of Borneo’s primary forest. As the jungle falls prey to the axe so do indigenous cultures and the Orangutan.
In a last-ditch-effort, the Sarawak Department of Forestry tries to breed Orangutan monkeys by returning ‘seized’ captive animals to a few well-guarded forest reserves.
Last weeks I was fortunate to visit a rehabilitation project near Kuching, Sarawak. In this nurturing, protected environment the apes appear to be thriving. But even if the number of Orangutans increases, what purpose does it serve if there are no primary forests left, being chopped off by ruthless, profit-thirsty logging companies?
Skeptic opinions aside, it felt great to observe these superb animals brush through the jungle’s canopy. It gave me a glimpse of what this planet used to be, and what we’re about to loose.
A book of nature inspired poems and essays, written from the heart and soul of a life-long nature, animal, and wilderness lover, and dedicated to today’s children - Earth's only hope for a better tomorrow.
This book won 'The Poetry Category'
