Great Apes: Protecting Our Animal Cousins

A childhood encounter with a bonobo in a private zoo, described in the “Introduction, and a self-promise by the author to write about great apes led to the creation of this book. It begins with an overview of these intelligent animals that are our closest relatives, showing how they differ from lesser apes (gibbons) and primates (monkeys). This section has excellent essential information, including inserts on evolution and family trees (though a larger font size in many of them might encourage young readers to read them thoroughly) and some detail on how populations are struggling, a topic that is revisited in the final chapter.

Four chapters describe characteristics of each great ape family: bonobos, chimpanzees, orangutans and gorillas. Details include habitat, social structure, family life, and threats they face. A summary chart–Fast Facts—makes a quick reference tool in each chapter. Famous apes who demonstrated extraordinary ability to communicate with human researchers, or well-known scientists who studied the various ape families (Jane Goodall, Birute Galdikas, Dian Fossey) are profiled.

Chapter 6 deals with ‘what’s next’ for great apes who are endangered worldwide. Habitat loss is the biggest threat, one for which humans are responsible. Populations in decline can be helped by conservation organizations’ programs. Kids who might want to participate through activities, e.g., that encourage sustainable palm oil production or promote healthy environments, can find suggestions here. A further list of conservation organizations is included, along with resources for more information.

The presentation is made kid-friendly with a light tone and style in easy-to-read language:

Hang on a second.

No tail?

Opposable thumbs?

Big brains?

Does that mean we’re apes too?

It sure does.

Thorough research turned up intriguing facts such as the 1935 chance discovery of a tooth in a Hong Kong market shop belonging to a giant ape species that vanished around 100,000 BCE. And gorillas are identified by unique noseprints, much like our fingerprints. Generous illustration in the form of captioned photos and inserts enhances the interest and clarifies the facts.

Threats to the world’s environments are changing our lives in countless ways. We can mitigate some of them—both for ourselves and for our closest animal relatives, the great apes. This close relationship means we should take a special interest in learning more about them and get involved in conservation efforts to help them. Great Apes: Protecting Our Animal Cousins will give readers a wealth of information to consider possible actions.