The Orangutan Rescue Gang - Softcover

"More than 25 years ago, the founder of the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation visited a local market somewhere in Indonesia. An illegally captured orangutan baby - just like the one in this book was offered to him for sale. A few hours later he discovered the baby half dead in a nearby trash bin. This was the beginning of BOS which since then has grown into the largest primate rescue and rehabilitation center in the world. Within the last 25 years, BOS has saved more than 3000 orangutans and since 2012 released 386 back into the wild. More than 500 orangutans are currently living in our two rescue centers in Borneo, Indonesia. Although a few lucky individuals could be saved, the orangutan now ranks among the most critically endangered species. The main threats to its survival are hunting, the illegal wildlife trade and the destruction of its habitat by logging companies, palm oil plantations and the mining industry. Around 150 000 orangutans disappeared within the last 16 years. 80% of their habitat is already lost. Thus, this book could not be more up to date. It addresses the generation who might be the last to experience wild orangutans. Only if we act now and our children are sensitized, our closest relatives with whom we are sharing 97 percent of our DNA - can be saved from extinction. Orangutan Rescue Gang addresses the threats orangutans are facing today as well as the solutions at hand by telling a lovely story of human-orangutan friendship. It takes you to the exotic world of Indonesia while still pointing to our own daily consumer decisions related to the destruction of the rain forests and thus the fate of the last remaining orangutans. This book is informative and educative as much as it is adventurous and entertaining. It will open the eyes of its young readers and it will touch their hearts. Form the numerous Orangutan-Workshops I have given to children I know that even the youngest very well understand the underlying problematic. Be surprised by the uncompromising reactions of your kids!" 

Dr. Sophia Benz, CEO, BOS Switzerland

"A beautifully written adventure, this book will open readers hearts and minds to orangutans and the threats they face - and, I hope, inspire them to play an active part in their protection."

Helen Buckland, Director, Sumatran Orangutan Society, SOS, UK

This book has many ups and downs as Jaylynn faces many changes and challenges that are sad, scary, and fun. My favorite part was when she sneaks out to be with the orangutan because it was exciting and made me have to keep reading to find out what happened and if she got caught. It was easy to relate to the characters' feelings of sadness and anger. I could understand why they were upset at people who were not just in their treatment of people and animals. It was fun to be alongside Jaylynn as she went through this time in her life. --LitPick