Person of the Forest

In the vanishing lowland rainforests of Borneo, research is underway to uncover and understand the unique cultural behaviors in wild orangutans. There, photographer Tim Laman, researcher Cheryl Knott, and young explorer Robert Suro shed new light on the similarities between ourselves and our ancient ancestors, before it’s too late.

Action Opportunities
Learn about the Gunung Palung Orangutan Project which promotes scientific research, conservation and education to save the endangered wild orangutans.
Check out the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Palm Oil Scorecard which ranks America’s biggest brands on their commitment to deforestation-free palm oil.

Filmmaker: Melissa Lesh

Running Time: 17 mins

Documentary filmmaker Melissa Lesh (Co-Director) founded Emerging Earth Films as a way to bridge the gap between the arts and sciences, focusing on natural history and conservation stories. Her first award-winning documentary, James River Sturgeon, was a collaboration with scientists to uncover the uncharted migration of the endangered Atlantic Sturgeon. Lesh is the Co-Director and Editor of Person of the Forest and has filmed for clients such as National Geographic Magazine, Nat Geo Wild, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Born in Mumbai, India and having grown up in Madison, Wisconsin, she now calls Richmond, Virginia home