Some endangered species get more attention than others. We’re familiar with mountain gorillas, tigers and pandas, but orangutans don’t seem to draw the same kind of concern.

Willie Smits devotes his life to saving orangutans and their habitat. His group Orangutan Outreach rehabilitates and reintegrates orangutans. Smits also spearheaded an effort to rehabilitate rainforest habitats in a way that works for the orangutans and people.