The 35-year epic story of Kusasi, a male orangutan at Camp Leakey in Indonesia, whose life is both the most well documented and the most mysterious of any of his kind in the world. He began life as an orphan, a prisoner, and a fugitive. Then he taught himself the ropes, watched his own back, trusted no one, and rose to the top of his clan, where he reigned for more than 15 years. He became famous, and people from all over the world came to see him, including film star Julia Roberts, though their encounter wasn't quite what she expected. Kusasi will not be able to maintain his remarkable success story indefinitely. He has been the undisputed leader for a very long time, but he is aging. Rivals in his own group sense his growing weakness, and he must also contend with males from other territories who have been displaced by human development and are looking to relocate. But are there any who can truly take his place? And what will be left of the of the kingdom when he is gone?