Reflections of Eden: My Years with the Orangutans of Borneo

In 197l, 25-year-old Galdikas, a protege of Louis Leakey, went to Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan), accompanied by her then-husband, to study orangutans at the Tanjun Puting Reserve (where she still spends time). It was a difficult assignment in a primitive area, with no roads or telephones and only infrequent mail delivery; travel was by boat or on foot. Furthermore, orangutans are solitary, elusive, arboreal creatures of the tropical forest. This would be the first extended study of their life in the wild. Galdikas presents an absorbing account of tracking the animals, observing mothers and infants, adolescent behavior and combat among males; the decline and death of one family anguished her. Galdikas battled with loggers to preserve habitats; she rescued young orangutans from poachers. This is a captivating story of adventure and conservation, and of a remarkable woman. Photos not seen by PW. (Jan.)