23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Orangutans of the Bornean Rainforest
We were deep in the forests of Borneo, exploring the winding waterways in search of orangutans and the incredible birdlife that thrives along the riverbanks. On our third day, we came upon this mother orangutan carefully crossing a shallow river with her newborn clutched close to her chest. We cut the motor and sat silently, hoping she might glance our way. The tenderness in the way she held her infant—tiny fingers wrapped through her mother’s fur—was unforgettable. It was one of those rare, magical moments on the river where the forest reveals something truly special.
Photo Detail
| Date Taken: | 07.2025 |
| Date Uploaded: | 11.2025 |
| Photo Location: | Indonesia |
| Camera: | Canon EOS R5m2 |
| Copyright: | © LEIGHTON LUM |