Customer Reviews

Thinkers of the Jungle

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This is not your normal "cutesy" wildlife pictorial about our friends of the Indonesian and Malaysian forest, even though the pictures are fabulous. This unusual -- and absolutely essential -- portrait of orangutans even goes beyond zoology. Based on the experience of Dr. Willie Smits, it graphically presents cases of extreme maltreatment of our shaggy relatives, and explains what we can/should/must do. Hold on... this read could be a bumpy ride. But it is well worth it.

This book has 3 authors: Gerd Schuster, Willie Smits and Jay Ullal. However, it is not clear who wrote what part of the book. Jay Ullal is photographer (really splendid photographs!). I am not sure whether he wrote anything. The other two authors -together- wrote the text. At the end of the last chapter (confusingly, chapters are not numbered!) one reads: "Text: Willie Smits, edited by Gerd Schuster" and this is also indicated directly below the chapter title.
The chapter before the last one is written by Willie Smits which is indicated at the end of the chapter, but not at the beginning of the chapter. The rest of the chapters do not indicate an author. Despite this, one encounters several times the word 'I'. One must guess who 'I' is. Unsurprisingly, people are confused.

However, the most important thing about the book is that Smits has been and is very active in the protection of the orangutan. Nobody else in the world has done so much to protect orangutans. See especially the last chapter about the Samboja Lestari project!

This is a well written and beautifully photographed book about the dwindling Orangutan population and what can be done to help them. It gives factual information about the Orangutan way of life, what happens to them when they are taken from their homes in South Asia and how their natural habitats are disappearing. A wonderful book which will awe and inspire you.

This critical book reveals the important work of the Borneo Orangutans Survival (BOS) Foundation--the largest primate rescue project in the world. Gerd Schuster highlights the amazing achievements and discoveries made by its founder, the unique Dr Willie Smits. Both a celebration of the magnificent cousin of ours, the orangutan, and a stark warning of what will happen to them if we do not intervene, this book is essential reading for anyone who cares about wildlife and the state of the planet.

I am in two minds about this book. On the one hand, it highlights the plight of the orangutans and the amazing work being carried out by the BOS foundation magnificently, and it very well written. The pictures are also terrific.

On the other hand, I was left a bit uncomfortable by the authors obvious infatuation with Willie Smits. It is also obvious that Schuster's time in Indonesia has been sparse, as he seems to have very little understanding of the political and social complexities of that country. He implores other scientists to speak out about the government, and rubbishes other people's work, but doesn't seem to have any comprehension of the difficulties they may face in their tasks, or what the ramifications of his suggestions may be.

All in all, it is a good book and is well worth buying, but you never forget that you are reading a book authred by someone who is not an expert in this field, and has never worked in a developing country.

I work at the zoo with the Apes. I am always looking for something on DVD or in book form to donate for our silent auction every year.

What an exceptionally beautiful book. I bought it for the information on the orangutans so the amazing photos are an added plus.
I bought the book after hearing a Willie Smits interview and have loved pouring over the photos and the thought-provoking information.

You you want to read about Orangutans, then this is perfect for you. Awesome book.