The gentle creature appears to be leaning down and offering a helping hand to the man who had been in the muddy river searching for snakes – many of which pose a threat to primates.
The orangutan offered an outstretched arm to the man standing in the riverCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
The man had been in the river searching for the Animals’ sworn enemies – snakesCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
The striking pictures were taken in a conservation forest area in Borneo, where the endangered species are protected from hunters.
Amateur photographer Anil Prabhakar, from Indonesia, had been out trekking with friends in the area while on safari, when he spotted the touching encounter taking place.
The man refused the orangutan’s hand because it was a wild animalCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
The striking photos were taken in a conservation forest area in Borneo where the endangered species are protected from huntersCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
He said: “Someone told him there was a snake in the river. The warden went there and cleared the bushes.”
“An orangutan came to the banks and was watching what he was doing. He then came closer and gave his hand.”
