It was my third day on site at Friends of the National Parks Foundation (FNPF) in Borneo. I was invited to visit quarantine where sick and rehabilitating orangutans stay until they are well enough to go back into the wild.
As my clothes were sticking to my body and sweat was rolling down my face I thought to myself how do they stand the heat and humidity with all that fur? The air felt so thick, heavy and steamy yet as I walked towards one of the cages the thick, steamy air suddenly became easier to breathe as the cutest most loving big brown eyes I had ever seen captivated me.
I asked Yen, my hostess and project manager of FNPF all about this beautiful baby orangutan who caught my eye who was about 12 months old. Her name was Jodie and evidently she had contracted tuberculosis. I found that hard to believe as she swung and jumped around the cage so full of energy looking as cheeky as ever and giving a toothy smile, as she swung past. In the next cage there were two male orangutans that were older than Jodie but still young.
As I approached the bars of the cage one of them leaned towards me, grabbed my hand and pulled it towards him between the bars. He looked at my hand as if to study it then compared it to his own, as though our hands were the same but not quite. His hand was warm and his palm felt rough and well padded like a leather cushion. His fur was thick and course and looked like thin wire with beautiful auburn highlights through it that sparkled when caught by the light of the sun. I was so amazed by his curiosity and persistence to study my hand. When he finally let go the other orangutan came over and pulled my hand in just like the first orangutan, only with more force. This one wouldn’t let go for quite a while and was more interested in playing than studying my hand. I guess that goes to show how individual they are.
It was time to leave as Yen called me over to get back for lunch. There was a lot planned for the rest of the afternoon yet this experience of seeing the orangutans up close will remain with me for the rest of my life.
I’ll never forget those warm brown eyes…
My trip to Borneo within the FNPF park, and surrounding areas, gave me the opportunity to witness orangutans in their natural habitat. Witnessing their behavior and seeing how they survive in their environment helped me appreciate their great intelligence, adaptability and resilience. Some things made me laugh and some things made me cry… I witnessed firsthand the destruction caused by the planting of palm oil plantations that threaten not only orangutans but also local plant species and other animal species such as cloud leopards. This made me realize that most products made from palm oil are not essential for our survival yet the survival of these magnificent animals is severely compromised because of corporate greed and lack of awareness.
Riding for Rangas: A few years after returning from my trip I founded the “Riding for Rangas” charity bike ride to help raise funds and awareness for non-profit organization FNPF. Plans are being made for another ride for 2015 (now a biennial event). In my first ride back in 2009 I didn’t know what to expect, as I hadn’t ridden over 330 kilometers over a two day period before. On the second day with only about 30km to go I was climbing what felt like the steepest hill in my life that never seemed to stop. It felt like I was dragging lead weights. I felt so exhausted. A part of me could no longer endure the pain, yet another part of me remembered those soulful brown eyes of Jodie the baby orangutan. She inspired me to keep going because I knew the pain and suffering that these innocent and gentle creatures endure was nothing compared to what I was going through, and my pain was only temporary!
Image Credits
All Images Are © Geraldine Simmons
Geraldine Simmons Artist Bio
Geraldine Simmons was born in London, England 1959 and lives on Sydney, Australia’s northern beaches with her husband and two children. She has a deep respect and passion for animals and the natural world specializing in mixed media and now scratchboard.
Geraldine sets out to capture the true nature and essence of her animal subjects by paying close attention to the eyes. The purpose of her art is to communicate that the world’s animals are not just mere commodities; to be exploited, used or forgotten.
Geraldine has exhibited her works both nationally and internationally in a selection of group, juried and invitational exhibitions. Her works are held in private collections throughout Australia and abroad as well as in a selected collection in Sydney.
Geraldine is a signature member of the Artists For Conservation.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Ever since I was a child my fascination and wonder for wildlife has never stopped. The diversity of wildlife that is a part of our world and the unique traits each species exudes inspire me to draw in mixed media and now scratchboard.
Like that child I draw wildlife simply because I love animals and for the creative adventures that my drawing process brings.
I don’t necessarily do things “by the book.” I trust my instincts and let my drawing take form one pencil stroke at a time. It leads to a state of stillness where time appears to stand still. I feel connected to my subject.
Blog / Website: Geraldine Simmons – Wildlife Artist for Conservation
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Faye says
The eyes truly are the window to the soul, and your work captures this beautifully. Don’t ever stop…
Geri says
Thank you Faye!
Nadine K says
Geri…..this is brilliant! The little guy’s eyes convey so very much poignant expression. What a gift you have to be able to portray animals’ expressions such as this! Keep at it no matter what! Love your little descriptive blurb too. So keep going & delight always in that stillness. This is where you shine! Go for it!
Geri says
Thank you so much for your support Nadine! Cheers