Among the Orangutans: The Birute Galdikas Story (The Great Naturalists) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Birute Galdikas was born in Weisbaden, West Germany, on May 10, 1946..." (more)
Key Phrases: wild orangutans, male orangutans, Camp Leakey, Jane Goodall, Orangutan Project (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

As orangutans slip into further endangerment due to poaching (mothers are shot in order that babies may be taken as pets) and destruction of their habitat, books such as this may inspire a backdraft of conservation. Written by a primate photographer who has accompanied Galdikas through Borneo's rainforests, this first entry in the Great Naturalists series introduces the famed primatologist and her passion. With Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall, Galdikas completes the primate research triangle whose participants were mentored by the late Louis Leakey. And like these contemporaries, Galdikas possesses remarkable determination. Orangutan research proves especially daunting: "unlike the highly social chimpanzees, great apes . . . who travel on the ground, orangutans live alone in the trees and travel by swinging." Each day, Galdikas traveled far from camp, "drenched by rain, caked with mud, and bleeding from leech bites"; she endured "mysterious infections," subsisted on canned sardines, and watched her scant belongings rot in the extreme humidity. In brief, well organized chapters and highly readable prose, Gallardo interlaces intriguing observations of orangutans with the life of their patient observer and rehabilitator. The book will rouse readers of all ages not only to a curiosity for primates, but also to admiration for those who brave adversity to eke out a larger understanding of the natural environment. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5--Among the Orangutans focuses on the naturalist and her work with these endangered animals. It begins with Galdikas's early interest in primates, and tells of her meeting with Dr. Louis Leakey, whom she persuaded to sponsor her Orangutan Project. Most of the book focuses on her experiences at Camp Leakey in the Borneo rainforest, and details the personal and physical hardships she endured during 20 years of study of the shy and elusive animals. Activities of orphaned babies that were rescued, the difficulties that arose as they adapted and became overly dependent on human contact, and glimpses of behaviors in the remote rainforest are related through text and full-color photographs. Threats due to poaching and the destruction of their habitat are discussed, but credit is also given to local officials who are working to preserve the area. Caroline Arnold's Orangutan (Morrow, 1990) has more basic facts about physical characteristics and behaviors, but in a zoo setting. This narrative of observations in the wild should be placed alongside it to give comprehensive coverage of this great primate. An afterword by Galdikas and a list of organizations involved in protecting the orangutan are appended. --Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (March 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811804089
• ISBN-13: 978-0811804080
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
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• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,229,207 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)