On September 16, 2015, just over a month ago, I began my journey into Gunung Palung National Park in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. I was finally starting my project studying the lives of orangutans, supported by a National Geographic Young Explorers grant. The trek began two hours south of Gunung Palung, in the town of Ketapang. Early...

After a year of planning, fundraising, and mental preparation, I have finally arrived in West Kalimantan, Indonesia on the island of Borneo to begin my National Geographic Young Explorer’s Grant project. I’ll be venturing deep into the rainforest of Gunung Palung National Park, where I’ll be following male orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) outside the borders...

After spending a year studying orangutans with NG Explorer Dr. Cheryl Knott, Robert Rodriguez Suro is returning to Indonesia to commence his own National Geographic Young Explorers Grant project. He’ll be tracking male orangutans outside the borders of research sites in order to discover the true size of their home ranges. Through photos, videos, and written reflections,...