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

18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
The Embrace

While on a recent trip to Borneo I had the opportunity to photograph orangutans inside an open sanctuary in Sarawak. Here the animals are cared for by veterinary experts and studied by scientist. The animals are free to come and go out of the jungle as they please. Shown here is an orphaned baby orangutan being cared for by his segregate mother. What amazed me was their deep connection despite their troubled past.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2019
Date Uploaded: 09.2020
Photo Location: Kuching, Malaysia
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R
Copyright: © Derek Nielsen