Terra Mater Tackles Wildlife Tourism in Eyes of the Orangutan

The documentary Eyes of the Orangutan, from Terra Mater Factual Studios and Chris Scarffe Film and Photography, investigates how and why orangutans are exploited through wildlife tourism.

Led by environmental photojournalist Aaron Gekoski, the doc shows how irresponsible operators exploit the animals that share 97 percent of their DNA with humans and what can be done about the growing problem. Gekoski was inspired to take up the cause following a visit to an amusement park in Vietnam, where he saw a large male orangutan kept in an enclosure just 13×16-feet wide.

Gekoski joined forces with director Chris Scarffe, cinematographer Will Foster-Grundy and editor Damian Antochewicz to embark on a four-year investigation of the orangutan tourism industry. Gekoski’s investigation ultimately leads him closer and closer to those responsible for a shadowy trade network, with him and his team enlisting the help of animal welfare organizations and the police to put an end to the cruel business.

Walter Köhler, CEO of Terra Mater Factual Studios, said: “Conservation efforts are essential to preserving the beauty of our planet and maintaining a natural balance. Our own lives depend on protecting the world that surrounds us, and Terra Mater Factual Studios remains committed to supporting conservation projects around the world.”

“Eyes of the Orangutan is a powerful, captivating exploration of one of the most troubling facets of modern wildlife tourism, as well as an uplifting celebration of one of our closest living relatives, the orangutan. As Aaron Gekoski says, despite the cruelty and horrors he witnessed: ‘It is great to see that there actually is hope here.’”