EDITOR’S LETTER

At the risk of employing every pun I can think of, I’m going ape this week over Orangutan Jungle School (story page 10). This 10-part documentary presents a fascinating insight into the world of these red apes, chronicling their triumphs and tragedies. It’s a rare piece of film-making, made even more special because it’s the work of Kiwi production company Natural History New Zealand. Interestingly, orangutans were very much in the news when I was in Britain recently because an Iceland supermarket Christmas ad featuring these wonderful creatures had been banned from screening on TV. Voiced by Emma Thompson, it certainly makes you think twice about the plight of the rainforest and the effect deforestation is having on these animals. So check out Orangutan Jungle School (and check out the ad on YouTube). I guarantee it will change your views on the chubby-cheeked old man of the forest.