Hanging Around, Orangutans

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This mother and son orangutan were photographed on the island of Borneo. The female had another older son nearby who was older and fairly independent, but stayed in the vicinity of his mother and young brother. He would occasionally steal food from his younger brother when mom was not looking. Like human youngsters, young orangutans are quite playful and get into considerable mischief. Fortunately, orangutan mothers are very watchful and protective of their young. They are a formidable presence, able to protect their young against all predators except armed humans. It is impossible to remove a young orangutan from its mother without killing the mother - which is exactly how orangutans are obtained for the pet trade.