Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Standing guardian

This image tries to portray the raw beauty and enigmatic presence of an orangutan, standing almost statuesque amid the lush greenery and ancient rock formations of its jungle home. The orangutan’s posture—upright, arms steady on the rocks—gives it a wise and powerful stance, as if it’s a guardian watching over the forest. The soft light filtering through the trees highlights the orange hue of its fur, creating a captivating contrast with the rich greens of the foliage. Orangutans are remarkable creatures, known for their intelligence and solitary nature. Native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, these great apes are among the most intelligent primates, with complex cognitive abilities and a strong capacity for problem-solving. They share approximately 97% of their DNA with humans, making them one of our closest relatives. Their dexterous hands and feet are perfectly adapted for a life in the trees, where they spend most of their time.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Indonesia
Camera: NIKON D850
Copyright: © Saurabh Chakraborty