 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Orangutan Island
- Animal Planet
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Cute, fuzzy reality stars will captivate families.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that it's easy to develop an attachment to the hairy stars of this reality show, so sensitive viewers of all ages may find themselves very affected by the orangutans' emotional ups and downs. And you may find yourself starting the "birds and bees" conversation with young kids after references to sexual maturity and attracting a mate. But otherwise, this engaging series -- which captures some fascinating animal behavior and draws attention to endangered species -- is great family viewing.
What's the story?
ORANGUTAN ISLAND chronicles the challenges and triumphs of a unique society of rehabilitated orphan orangutans, who have been relocated to a protected jungle island in Borneo to -- hopefully -- succeed at living in the wild. The 35 orangutans -- all of whom were orphaned as babies through hunting, development, or inhumane sale as pets -- are young by the species' standards; most range in age from 4 to 6 (maturity isn't reached until age 9). The were raised at a rescue-and-reintroduction center, where staff and volunteers acted as surrogate moms, teaching the animals the basics of surviving in the wild. At "forest school," the orangutan toddlers learned essential skills like foraging for food, avoiding predators, and building sleeping nests. Now, years later, they're slowly being encouraged to live on their own in the closest thing to their endangered natural rainforest habitat that's available: a secluded island sanctuary that will offer them independence as well as ongoing observation and occasional visits from the rescue center staff. But to make it work, the animals will have to shake off their species' instinctive solitude and band together.
Is it any good?
The show chronicles the daily ups and downs of the orangutans' transition. Narration puts words to their behavior, pointing out signs of happiness, melancholy, tension, and jealousy. As viewers become more acquainted with the main "cast" -- including Cha Cha, who has a hard time adjusting to her new surroundings; Daisy, an outgoing 6-year-old; and Saturnus, a rebellious male who likes to be the center of attention -- they'll enjoy watching relationships develop amid the forming social hierarchy.
Orangutan Island is worthwhile entertainment for families, as it exposes viewers to animal behavior and, with some prompting, can instigate thoughtful discussions about conservation, the plight of endangered species, and even global warming. But be forewarned that it's easy to get caught up in the emotional roller coaster of these beautiful animals' struggles, so you may want to check it out before sharing it with particularly sensitive youngsters.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the show's messages about wildlife endangerment and preservation. How do things like deforestation and humans' land use affect other creatures? What types of animals, insects, and plants are being threatened? What does it mean when a species is endangered? What attempts are being made to preserve animals' natural habitats and conserve natural resources? How can people help the efforts at home? Families can also discuss how this show is similar to and different from reality shows focused on humans. Which do you like better? Why?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Meniocre Entertainment!!!!!
When I saw the ad for this show,I thought "That Might be worth watching". It turns out I was terribly mistaken. "Orangutan Island" is a complete waste of 30 minutes. This series can not stand up to "Meerkat Manor" (AKA the best show on earth). I find the narrorators voice simply dispicable and the carachters are not cute and fuzzy like the stars of Meerkat Manor. They try to make that show dramatic, but the sad, sad truth is that show could never be dramatic in the least. I do not find this show at all entertaining, and truly beleive that it wil NOT last for two seasons. Shame on ANYONE who gives this show a good rating!
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AGE
Orangutans: Lots to love and lots to learn
Orangutan Island is a rare treat for viewers who have never had the opportunity to see orangutans in the forest. Everyone-- young and old-- will fall in love with the orangutans-- guaranteed! :-)
But beyond the 'cute' factor, there are many serious issues being addressed. These orangutans have all suffered a very cruel fate. Their mothers were killed-- most likely on palm oil plantations where they were desperately searching for food for themselves and their babies. Parents should not forget this-- and can use this show as an opportunity to teach their kids about environmental issues such as animal conservation, deforestation and global warming....
Orangutans are critically endangered and could be extinct in the wild within a decade unless something is done to protect them.
The orangutans featured on the show are lucky to be alive-- but they are just one group of many. The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation is currently caring for nearly 800 orphaned orangutans-- and they all need our help!
Learn more about orangutans and their fight for survival at the Orangutan Outreach website: *://redapes.org
Keep watching the show and tell all your friends. Help spread the word!
-- Richard Zimmerman
Director, Orangutan Outreach
Reach out and save the orangutans!
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AGE
"Orangutans are the new Meerkats!" I DON'T THINK SO!!!!
"Rust is the new black, and Orangutans are the new Meerkats!" What bozo wrote that dumb review? Forgive me, please, but this show is downright mediocre! I'll have you know that stupid, fat, ugly apes ARE NOT under ANY circumstances "the new Meerkats"!!!!! This so called "dramatic" show is NOT dramatic, and it's a waste of time! The narrorator stinks, the orangutans have idiotic names, and it's just a melo-dramatic spectacle. Truthfully, I'd rather watch THREE HOURS STRAIGHT OF KID NATION than this show(now, that's really saying something!)! Meerkat Manor is soooo much better! It's a mix of drama AND comedy! Long story short, this show is a piece of junk.
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AGE
Chen Chen, Cha Cha, Hamlet, Daisy, Saturnus, Jordan, baby Hardy and the other Orangutans became part of my family:)
I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!! Orangutan Island became a part of my life over the last few months and I am sickened to hear that it was cancelled. Here in Hawaii the shows air at 4am and I would stay up just to watch. I was so fascinated with Orangutans I even went to visit the Honolulu Zoo just to see them in real life.
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AGE
I dont understand how anyone with abrain could like this...
Boring, overdramatic, the list goes on and on. This show is not funny, cute, OR dramatic like Meerkat Manor. Yeah, yeah, I know..orangs are endangered, meerkats are not, but frankly, I don't care if orangs become extinct...they're totally useless. I used to sort of like orangs but this show has given me insite into how they behave: Hitting each other with sticks, stealing food, beating each other up, these are only some of the things that these stupid animals do. Some people say these animals are smart...I say they are a perfect example of stupidity. Please, put your time to good use, don't watch this show.
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AGE
my daughter is 6.5 and she loves this show. there are many lessons to be learned about our society thru these animals and people who care for them. it sparks many conversations in our house.
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| Topics: | science and nature, wild animals |
| TV rating: | TV-G |
| Network: | Animal Planet |
| Cast: | Lone Droscher-Nielsen |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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