Schrefer addresses the topic of orangutans taken from their jungle homes and families in the 3rd book of a 4 book series.
John's dad works for a company that does work overseas. While on a trip there, he remembers John making a comment about how cool it would be to have an orangutan. John never really thought it was a possibility until his dad brought baby Raja home. Now they have grown up together but mom and dad are getting a divorce and they need to figure out what to do with Raja (who is totally bonded to John by the way).
A heartbreaking look at what happens when humans interfere with animals and their natural environment. There is definitely a MESSAGE in this book and it's relatively subtle until the very end.