As they grow older, they become more independent and rambunctious. Ironically, what makes them so appealing is what fuels their demise. The cuddly dependence, playful antics and intelligence of orangutan babies is hard to resist. Psychologists say humans have an involuntary loving, protective response toward small, round, big-eyed creatures. The closer the creature resembles a human baby, the greater the response.
Bananas gone, the apes disappear into the forest.
Afterward, the young park rangers and the boatman joke around pretending to be a film crew. While publicity is certainly a way to get the world to care about animals, there are differing opinions on the effect. At the ranger station, I am touched by an orangutan for the first time. Sitting in a tiny cage, Toshito is being punished for breaking into the office and putting holes in the roof. But he seems so harmless and remorseful.