Person of the Forest

In the vanishing lowland rainforests of Borneo, research is underway to uncover and understand the unique cultural behaviors in wild orangutans before it’s too late. There, photographer Tim Laman, researcher Cheryll Knott and young explorer Robert Suro have documented these incredible animals in action as the orangutans make pillows, fashion umbrellas and display their greetings. The project, 20 years in the making, offers a fascinating glimpse into the habits of these apes, as well as a window into human evolution. And with habitat disappearing at an alarming rate, the research may prove to be key in protecting this critically endangered species.