Why author chose orang-utan to represent Pi's mother on the boat?

Question:

Why author chose orang-utan to represent Pi's mother on the boat?

quesion about " the life of Pi" by Yann Martel

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Primates are the closest animal to humans. Pi didn't want to portray his mother in a primitive or vicious manner, so he chose an animal that is intelligent and has human-like qualities.