The Figure and Great Apes

"Gorillas and orangutans make good models. Being captive and available for viewing in zoos, they don't seem to mind the attention. As they closely resemble humans, there is an intimacy and tension exclusive to the relationship between us. When watching these fragile, complex and intelligent creatures in the zoo, I struggle with knowing they are in a place less than perfect, yet I would not be thinking much about them if I didn't have this opportunity to watch them up close.