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New Book on Orangutans Will Inspire and Educate

29 January 2010 - Seattle, WA & Kamloops, BC, Canada. Author Shawn Thompson spent nine years devoted to writing his most recent book, "The Initimate Ape", to be published 1 March in North America (April in the UK and May in Australia). During that time, he made numerous trips to Southeast Asia, the United States, and Europe to view orangutans and interview orangutan researchers, conservationists, zookeepers and others who have intimate details in the lives of these most elusive apes. The final product is a rich literary portrait of three species of primates that is both illuminating and provocative - challenging the way most people might think about their own identity as human beings.

The Intimate Ape cover 
As stated on the back of the paperback book, "In the Intimate Ape", journalist Shawn Thompson brings together a global assemblage of primatologists, conservationists, and volunteers to reveal the intricate life of these majestic primates. As he travels through the steamy rain forest of Sumatra and the jungle river valleys of Borneo, visiting nature preserves and observing conservation programs, Thompson describes the emotional and intellectual lives of orangutans, and recognizes the people who have committed their lives to understand, protect, and ultimately rescue this powerful yet sensitive relation of humanity.

Thompson's writing style is down to earth and a pleasure to follow as he digs deeply into the minds of the primatologists who have spent considerable time with orangutans in captivity and the wild. Like a modern shaman, he divines the nature of one of our closet primate cousins, by drawing out both the scientific and anecdotal experiences and interpretations from those he interviews. In the process, much is revealed about the humans who study the apes.

Orang Utan Republik Foundation President, Gary Shapiro and his early experiences with the orangutans Aazk, Rinnie, and Princess are featured in the book. Other primatologists and conservationists such as John MacKinnon, Herman Rijksen, Willy Smits, Birute Galdikas, Ian Singleton, Marc & Isabelle Ancrenaz, and Lone Dröscher-Nielsen shared their own stories and lessons learned.

The author hopes the book also inspires the reader to take action to help save the endangered orangutan. He discusses the ethical consumer as one who can become a protector of the species and their habitat as well as providing a list of suggested reading and websites to further one's understanding and involvement.

The book is affordably priced at US$15.95 - from Citadel Press, Kensington Publishing.