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Writer's picturePaul Anderson

Wildlife Photography: An Intimate Morning with Orangutans in Borneo's Sepilok Rainforest

Updated: Oct 31


mother orangutan walking away as baby looks back at me

In Borneo, lies the Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Center, a wild sanctuary home to wild orangutans. It was here while doing wildlife photography I had the privilege of spending a morning, capturing the beauty and wonder of these remarkable primates in their natural habitat.

As I entered the park in the early hours of the morning, I was struck by the stillness and tranquility of the forest. The only sounds were the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze and the distant calls of birds and gibbon monkeys. It was as if I were the only person in the world, and the forest belonged to me and the wildlife that called it home.

As I turned the corner on the trail, I was greeted by the most incredible sight. Just a few feet away from me, a mother and baby orangutan were slowly making their way through the trees. The mother was effortlessly swinging from branch to branch, her long arms reaching out to grasp hold of the next one. Her baby clung tightly to her belly, its small hands gripping onto her fur as it peered out at me with wide, curious eyes.

I stood there, frozen in awe, watching these magnificent creatures go about their day, completely unfazed by my presence. The mother looked at me with a curious expression, as if to say "Welcome to our home." It was a moment of pure magic and I felt incredibly humbled and privileged to be able to witness it.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection with them. I felt like I was a part of their world, and they were a part of mine. The mother was so close that I could see the details of her face and the way she moved with such grace and ease. The baby clung tightly to its mother's belly, peeking out at me with wide eyes. It was a moment that I will treasure forever and I was grateful to have the opportunity to experience it in such a natural and undisturbed setting.

The Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Center is not just a place for orangutans, but for all the diverse wildlife that call this rainforest home. The lush greenery and diverse plant life provide a habitat for a plethora of species, from insects to birds, primates to mammals, each playing their part in the delicate balance of nature.

As I left the park that morning, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and gratitude for the privilege of being able to experience such a special moment. The sounds of the rainforest, the birds singing and the gibbon monkeys calling, will stay with me forever as a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the natural world.


mother and baby orangutans

mother and baby Orangutans in the trees

mother and baby

David Attenborough once said, "The natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living." And I couldn't agree more. The Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Center is a testament to the importance of preserving and protecting our planet's precious wildlife and their habitats. It is a reminder that we are all connected, and that by working together, we can make a difference.



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