Duration: 52 minutes
Format: DVD

Narrated by Brooke Shields, this documentary follows the story of renowned experts in orangutan conservation. It features the research of primate psychologist Anne Russon and how her research has assisted Dr Willie Smits, founder and chairman of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS).

"Disenchanted Forest" effortlessly acquaints you with orangutans. Not only do they share 97% of our DNA, but they are also psychologically aligned with us. This documentary explores the threats facing the few wild orangutans left today, for example in the last 20 years 80% of the orangutan's natural habitat has been destroyed through commercial logging, poaching, clearing, illegal mining and fires.

Dr Carl Van Schaik, primatologist, discusses the rapidly diminishing opportunity to learn about human evolution as the number of wild orangutans dwindles precariously. He believes questions such as, 'where does our culture come from?' can be answered through the study of orangutan culture and in this context discusses the incredibly fragile culture of the solitary orangutan.

The concept of "social/cultural learning" is applied in the rehabilitation process of domesticated orangutans. They must be taught basic forest skills, climbing, nest building, social niceties and even food recognition in order to be reintroduced to their natural habitat.

BOS' visionary work to combine security, rehabilitation and medical care is testament to its thorough understanding of a complex issue. This is highlighted through Lone Droscher and Odum's work in Nyaru Menteng, BOS' orangutan reintroduction programme. Lone's approach to orangutan care is as charming as it is loving, for example her directive to tickle each orangutan and make them laugh for 10 minutes everyday. However, it is clear the challenge of safely releasing orangutans back into the wild is ongoing.