Searching for Sumatra’s endangered orangutans

BUKIT LAWANG, North Sumatra, Indonesia – It’s said one should not take work along on vacation. “Leave the BlackBerry at home!” my supervisor insisted. But, no way was I going to leave behind the camera with the opportunity to spend a week on an eco-tour in Indonesia.

In the forests of North Sumatra, Indonesia, there’s a delicate balancing act going on, witnessed by a few eco-friendly tourists every year. It’s not easy to see, but well worth the trip. And you might even see a little piece of yourself looking back at you from high in the trees.

The location was new for me and the trip was special, hardly work, particularly when I can share the experience (through the video links here) with others.

VIDEO: Saving Sumatra’s orangutans

I set out to find a critically endangered species, the orangutan, in their native habitat before they become extinct. Its estimated just 6,600 Sumatran orangutans remain.

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