Watch Orangutan Island

Orangutan Island, a captivating series on Animal Planet, is an intense and informative show about orphaned orangutans struggling for survival and their journey towards freedom in a secluded jungle island. The show is narrated by Rodd Houston, Iain Fraser, and Virginia Madsen, and it premiered in 2007.

The series follows a group of orphaned orangutans that were rescued from the palms plantations across Borneo, Indonesia by the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the endangered Bornean orangutan. The orangutans are brought to an isolated and uninhabited island, which is home to a forest known as Bukit Merah, where they can receive the care they need in a safe environment away from human activity.

The orangutans are cared for by a dedicated team of experts, including scientists, veterinarians, and animal caretakers, who work hard to encourage the animals' natural behaviors and help them adapt to their new surroundings. The team is led by Lone Drøscher Nielsen, a Danish conservationist, who dedicates her life to saving these critically endangered creatures.

The show is very visual and provides a fascinating insight into the lives of these intelligent creatures, from their playful moments to their sad and vulnerable ones. The orangutans are followed throughout their journey on the Island, from their day-to-day activities such as feeding and climbing trees, to their progress towards independence, where they will be able to live a life outside of captivity.

The show also highlights the dangers orangutans face in modern day Indonesia. The deforestation of their natural habitats for palm oil plantations has left them vulnerable, and as a result, their natural habitat is slowly disappearing. This is a major concern as the orangutan population is declining at an alarming rate, with estimates predicting that the orangutan could become extinct within 20 years. The show educates viewers on the importance of conservation efforts and stresses the importance of preserving the natural habitats of these remarkable creatures.

In each episode, viewers are introduced to different orangutans, each with their own unique personalities and traits. There is Kiki, the youngest of the group, who is full of energy and loves to play, and Beni, who is very intelligent, curious, and adventurous. There's also Joss, who is reserved and shy but has a strong bond with caretaker Jamartin, who helps him overcome his timid nature.

The show captures some emotional moments when the orangutans face challenges on their journey to independence. Viewers watch as the orphans attempt to overcome obstacles such as learning to climb trees, finding their own food, and even dealing with injury and illness. The babies' dependence on their caretakers is evident, but as they progress and exhibit independence, everybody including the viewer can feel a sense of pride.

The cinematography of the series is stunning, and the show does an excellent job of showcasing the beauty of the island and the charm of the orangutans. The production team uses hidden cameras and drones to capture natural behavior and create a more immersive experience for viewers. Every episode provides an arching storyline, and each orangutan's progress is carefully documented.

In conclusion, Orangutan Island is a remarkable series that provides an educational and fulfilling experience. This show brings attention to the dire situation the orangutan population is facing and emphasizes the importance of conservation. The viewers will feel a sense of connection to the adorable orangutans and the animals' courageous journey towards self-sufficiency is a heartwarming sight that leaves viewers with a positive and uplifted emotion. It's an absolute must-watch for animal lovers, nature enthusiasts and those who just enjoy a captivating documentary series.