Thinkers of the Jungle: the Orangutan Report: Pictures, Facts, Background

A unique documentation of an exceptional and very special endangered species’ way of life, based on the very latest research on the subject.

It is no exaggeration to describe the book as a sensation. A swimming orangutan is seen for the very first time in world-exclusive photos, although research still assumes that great apes cannot swim. Orangutans are shown angling with sticks; this form of tool use was unknown until now. Jay Ullal’s photos are simply the best to be found in this field. Almost ten thousand photos were shot during five trips to Borneo and Sumatra, including 40 world-exclusive gems.

These, and hundreds of other fascinating photos, are contained in this book. The accompanying text does justice to these photos. Scientifically well-founded, it is also vivid. It reveals the world of the orangutan in all its diversity. But it also tells the story of Willie Smits, who evolved from a protector of orangutans to a protector of the climate.

The authors do not shy from addressing the awful situation they find. Many governments and organizations show surprisingly little commitment when it comes to protecting the climate, environment, and endangered species. Even today. That this must change as a matter of urgency is made strikingly clear by the book’s content.

The publisher Herbert Ullmann visited Dr. Willie Smits in Borneo (more) and showed just how impressed he was by his efforts and great success: "There are books that can be published, and books that have to be published. Thinkers of the Jungle belongs unequivocally to the latter category.