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Great Apes: Part II [F-16-28]

In part one of this course, we reviewed chimpanzees and gorillas. This semester, we will review bonobos and orangutans. Both species are listed as endangered. Along with chimpanzees, the bonobos are the closest extant relatives to humans, sharing similar DNA (from 95-99% depending on what is counted). Orangutans, found only in Borneo and Sumatra, are the only great apes existing outside of Africa and the most arboreal. We will examine the evolution, physical characteristics, intelligence, habitat, behavior and social structure of these two species. 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 had 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 of 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.
    His up close and personal research on the animals Africa now includes the Great Apes and other species.