The Great Apes [F-15-25]
| Presenter: | John McDonald |
|---|---|
| Location: | SUNY Potsdam: Maxcy 104 |
| Classes: | 2 Sessions 1.5 hours |
| Dates: | Wed 3:00 PM 09/30, 10/07 |
| Status: | CANCELLED |
Print Info
This course focuses on the Great Apes: gorilla, chimpanzee, bonobo, orangutan, and gibbon. The great apes are our closest living relatives. They share similar DNA, from 95-99%, depending on what is counted. We will examine the evolution, physical characteristics, intelligence, habitat, behavior, and social structure of the Great Apes. In addition, we will look at their interactions with humans, and at the geopolitical issues which threaten their existence.
John McDonald retired from IBM and Arrow Electronics. He has a life-long interest in Africa and its wildlife. While in college he spent three years researching and studying primate behavior. After that he spent time with Dave Hoover, the lion and tiger trainer for the Clyde Beatty & Cole Bros. Circus. He corresponded with George Adamson of “Born Free” fame and was offered the opportunity to go to Kenya to conduct field research on Adamson’s lions. John has visited Africa multiple times as a volunteer working with wild cheetahs at the Cheetah Conservation Fund’s research facility in Namibia. While in Africa, he also observed other wildlife at Etosha National Park.