Meet The Orangutans Season 1 Episode 1 Learning to Climb and Build Nests

Meet the Orangutans is a fascinating nature documentary that takes viewers into the world of one of the most intelligent and endangered primates on earth- the orangutan. In the first episode of season 1, titled "Learning to Climb and Build Nests", we are introduced to a group of gentle giants who reside in the lush rainforests of Borneo.

The episode follows the lives of three orphaned orangutans who are currently living in the Nyaru Menteng Rehabilitation Centre in Central Kalimantan, Borneo. The center is run by Dr. Biruté Galdikas, a world-renowned primatologist and a leading conservationist who has devoted her life to saving orangutans from extinction.

The first orangutan we meet is a young female named Rosa. She was rescued by the center when she was only a few months old and has been living there ever since. The documentary crew follows Rosa as she learns to climb trees, which is an essential skill for orangutans.

Viewers get to see firsthand how baby orangutans are taught to climb by their mothers. However, since Rosa was separated from her mother at such a young age, she has to learn this skill on her own with the help of her carers at the center. We see Rosa struggle at first, but with persistence, she eventually gets the hang of it and becomes a proficient climber.

The second orangutan we meet is a male named Beni. He was also rescued when he was a baby and has been living in the center ever since. Beni is shown in the documentary building a nest for the first time, which is another important skill that orangutans need to survive in the wild.

Again, we get a glimpse into how mother orangutans teach their babies to build nests. However, since Beni was separated from his mother at a young age, he has to learn this skill on his own with the help of his caretakers. It's heartwarming to see Beni's determination as he gathers branches and leaves to build his nest, which is a vital nighttime refuge for orangutans in the wild.

The third and final orangutan we meet is a young male named Yani. He was rescued from a palm oil plantation in Sumatra where his mother was killed. Yani is shown in the documentary as he learns to climb with the help of his carers at the center. Although he's a little hesitant at first, Yani quickly learns how to climb trees, which is essential for his survival in the wild.

Throughout the episode, viewers also get an insight into the work that goes on at the Nyaru Menteng Rehabilitation Centre. We see how the caretakers take care of the orphaned orangutans and help them develop the skills they need to survive in the wild. The documentary also highlights the threats that orangutans face in the wild, such as deforestation, hunting, and the illegal pet trade.

In conclusion, "Learning to Climb and Build Nests" is an informative and heartwarming introduction to the world of orangutans. The first episode of Meet the Orangutans season 1 captures the struggles and triumphs of these gentle giants as they learn to climb, build nests, and prepare for life in the wild. The documentary is a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect endangered species like the orangutan.