When mother knows best

Tim Laman's Image

For at least the first seven years of their lives, orang-utans stick close by their mothers, even once they are too big to be carried.

This is longer than any other mammal, except humans. Mothers teach their young important cultural information, such as what food to eat and where to find it. This curious month-old baby is trying to see the flowers its mother is eating.


Behind the lens

Tim Laman

Tim Laman

USA

Tim is a field biologist and wildlife photojournalist with a reputation for returning from the wild with shots of nearly impossible subjects. His pioneering research in the rainforest canopy led to a PhD from Harvard University and the first of many articles for National Geographic magazine. His work has garnered numerous awards, including many in Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Image details

  • Canon EOS-1D C
  • 200-400mm f4 lens
  • 1/30 sec at f5.6
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.

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