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Reflections of Eden: My Years With the Orangutans of Borneo
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About Reflections Of Eden: My Years With The Orangutans
Product Description An anthropologist chronicles more than two decades of fieldwork in the endangered rainforest habitats of the orangutans, presenting strong arguments for conservationism and noting the striking similarities between animal and human social behavior From Publishers Weekly 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. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Library Journal Until now, fans of primatologist Galdikas had to make do with brief accounts of her life and work in books such as Evelyn Gallardo's Among the Orangutans (Chronicle, 1993) and Sy Montgomery's Walking with the Great Apes (LJ 2/1/91). Galdikas, along with Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey, was recruited by Louis Leaky to conduct long-term field studies of the great apes, in her case orangutans. While not as famous (or notorious) as her colleagues, Galdikas has been a phenomenal success in both her scientific studies and the conservation of orangutans. She also became immersed in Indonesian culture, marrying and raising children with a native Bornean. This book is a wonderful account of both her scientific work and personal experiences with a harsh environment, the loss of beloved orangutans, and the end of her first marriage to Canadian Rod Brindamour. Her humanity, courage, and dedication shine on every page. Highly recommended for all libraries, this book will inspire young scientists and enthrall anyone interested in orangutans and the rigors of modern field research. --Beth Clewis, Prince William P.L., Va. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Booklist Galdikas is a "trimate," one of three women who devoted themselves to the study of great apes in the wild. Her zeal for learning about orangutans emulates Jane Goodall's fascination with chimpanzees and the late Dian Fossey's dedication to gorillas. Not only is Galdikas a brilliant, courageous, and persevering scientist, but she is also a wonderfully engaging and generous writer. She tells the entire mesmerizing story of how she came to be the world's foremost orangutan expert, eloquently sharing her passion for these red-haired, arboreal, intelligent, gentle and reclusive yet personable creatures. As she recounts her exhausting efforts to track and observe the orangutans of Borneo's rain forest, Galdikas also candidly describes the unexpected impact her mission has on her personal life. Some of the most challenging and humbling episodes involve her serving as a surrogate mother for orphaned orangutan infants. As she gazes into the eyes of her beloved "cross-species" children, she catches a "glimpse of what we were before we were fully human. . .a reflection of Eden," a revelation that inspires much musing on the significance of our close genetic bond to our primate cousins. Galdikas' detailed chronicle is alive with captivating portraits of individual orangutans--from "vigorous and decisive" Cara to clinging Sugito, amorous TP, and loving Akmad--and charged with the forces of love, determination, grief, and recovery. Donna Seaman
