I’ve read environmental science books from David
Attenborough to E.O. Wilson and everything in between. Dr. Gary L. Shapiro’s
book Out of the Cage ranks among one
of the best conservation books I’ve read. Dr. Shapiro’s book is a vital
statement urgently needed as the world finally recognizes the environmental
importance of rainforest flora and fauna in preserving climate health for the
earth’s biosphere.
First, there are engaging and at times humorous
narratives about Gary’s personal encounters with semi-wild orangutans. The book
is filled with a colorful cast of human and nonhuman personalities. At the
center of this tale is the special orangutan, Princess, whom Gary adopted as
his first child, raised by hand at Camp Leakey, and taught (among others) sign
language. In this way, Gary was able to communicate with semi-wild orangutans
his and their thoughts, feelings, needs, and desires. Other orangutan characters
include the amorous Rinnie and the mischievous Sugito. Later in the book, Gary
recounts how his expertise helped release Sandra, an adult orangutan, from
depressing conditions in a zoo in Argentina to the Center for Great Apes in
Florida.
Second, the text charts an important historical record
from the 1970s to the present as biodiversity of the Indonesian rainforests is
depleted. We are at the tipping point dealing with climate change, and as Gary
indicates, rainforests sequester carbon and act as lungs for the entire planet.
To this day, I’m not sure anyone other than Dr. Shapiro has taught sign
language to free-ranging juvenile and adult orangutans in their natural forest
habitat. Remarkably, Gary carried on his work for years and tells the story in
his compelling narrative. Gary’s adventure spans about fifty years and not only
includes his first trip to the wilds of Borneo in the 1970s but also his continuing,
passionate dedication to orangutans and the biodiversity they share and help
cultivate in the rainforest.
Third, Gary is able to demonstrate how people can make
a difference in alleviating the environmental catastrophe we’ve permitted to
occur on our watch. People like Gary are the unsung heroes who labor in the
shadows on critical conservation efforts that can have meaningful impacts for
all earth’s life forms. After working closely with the legendary primatologist
Biruté Galdikas, Gary struck out on his own to establish his organization The
Orang Utan Republik Foundation solidifying his own legendary status. With
inspiring work, Gary ministers to the orangutans, local farmers, and his
mission of conservation through educational initiatives by making several trips
yearly to Indonesia.
Conservation education of people young and old has been
the secret ingredient of Dr. Shapiro’s success, whether teaching sign language
to semi-wild, ex-captive orangutans or creating scholarships to send young
Indonesian men and women to college for biology or forestry studies. For people
not involved in conservation education, the book offers a roadmap and lessons
for those hardy enough to embark on such an undertaking and for others offers a
glimpse of Gary’s perseverance in working tirelessly on behalf of orangutans
and other species to preserve their rainforest habitats. Out of the Cage is a gripping, timely story of one man’s determination
to save a vanishing species and their ecologically crucial habitats.
- Gregory F. Tague, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, English and Interdisciplinary Studies, St.
Francis College, N.Y. and author of An
Ape Ethic and the Question of Personhood (2020).
Video conversation with Gary Shapiro about his book, sponsored by the Brooklyn Book Festival.
How to Order Gary Shapiro’s Book - Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1HMP51
From the Publisher: https://themadduckcoalition.org/product/out-of-the-cage/
Gary Shapiro’s Organization - The Orang Utan Republik Foundation: https://www.orangutanrepublik.org/
Dr. Shapiro’s
personal website: https://garylshapiro.com/
Copyright©2024 by Gregory F. Tague. All Rights Reserved.
