Last week, the non-human primate community received the sad news that Dr. Steve Ross had suddenly passed away.
Steve was the director of Lincoln Park Zoo’s Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes and the board chair of Chimp Haven for more than a decade. As a primatologist who was unabashedly focused on chimpanzees, he bridged the primate zoo, sanctuary, and observational/academic research communities in a way that no one else has, bringing everyone together to improve the welfare of chimpanzees.
Steve was the brainchild and leader behind an ambitious project to identify every captive chimpanzee in the United States and keep this information public and regularly updated as part of Lincoln Park Zoo’s Project ChimpCare.
He aided in the rehoming of many chimpanzees to zoos and sanctuaries from undesirable situations including chimpanzees within the entertainment industry and in private ownership. His loss is a huge blow to chimpanzee advocacy and a personal loss for countless people who were influenced by his academic and professional work and his passion, including many students who considered him a mentor. It is no exaggeration to say that anytime any question came up regarding a chimpanzee in captivity, I would immediately think to ask Steve.
Steve visited Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest on several occasions over the years, including a visit that coincided with a speaking engagement at Central Washington University in 2017 that I mentioned on the blog. He was a source of support to us during both difficult and joyful times at the sanctuary.
Not surprisingly, Steve was a member of Burrito’s unofficial fan club.
I thought about him often yesterday as I was watching the newly integrated groups of chimpanzees interact. I have been working alongside Steve on the placement committee for the Chimpanzees in Need campaign to find homes for all of the Wildlife Waystation chimpanzees, and we had exchanged impressions and updates over the last year about various chimpanzees we had met and fallen in love with at Wildlife Waystation. If he had been alive, I would have texted him the good news of the integration. I have no doubt he would have responded with enthusiastic words of encouragement, and that it would have been among dozens of encouraging texts and emails he sent to others that day.
We are so saddened by his loss, and our hearts go out to those he was closest to in this world. His legacy is large and far-reaching and he leaves behind an immeasurable void.
Marya says
Diana, this is both a very sad time and a lovely tribute to all Steve brought to the world and to chimpanzees. These losses always remind me of the importance of gratitude for everything a person represents and accomplishes in the world. Thank you for sharing this information with us and for carrying his commitment and energies with you in all you, JB and all the staff bring to this important work.
Maureen says
Certainly a hard loss. Sounds like a good man.
Carla René says
I’m so srry, Diana. :crying_cat_face: From your words, you admired and loved him a great deal, and it saddens me that now, chimpanzee advocacy has been set back by months or even years. The quicker we can shut down this private ownership crap, the better off we’ll all be for it.
Cheers, and big hugs to everyone feeling his loss.
Tobin says
For the life, work, vision and mission of Dr. Steve Ross, all of us who care about the welfare of great apes and seek their reflourishing as species in their natural habitats are grateful for his professional endeavors. When passing through Chicago, I try to make the time to visit the Lincoln Park Zoo’s Regenstein Center for African Apes; as stated in Diana’s post, the center works in coordination with Chimp Haven near Shreveport, Louisiana to place captive chimpanzees with the latter facility. While I didn’t have the honor of knowing Dr. Ross, I am aware of the zoo’s work which he directed. His was a life well-lived.
Linda says
Very sorry for your loss of such a personal friend in this caring community of people. He did good work with his life and made the world a better place. I send respect and love for all he did.
Linda C says
Thank you for sharing with us what a wonderful person he was, Diana.
Laurie Mowat says
So sorry to hear this.
Kathleen says
The world can not afford to loose someone like your friend and colleague. My heart goes out to all who knew him, especially the chimpanzees.
Betsy says
I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend, and for the loss to the community of someone so inspiring. Lets continue the work in his memory.
Jeani Goodrich says
diana, thank you for that wonderful tribute to dr ross and his amazing work. I’m so sorry for your loss and for the loss of the entire non-human primate community. I’m sure dr. ross is smiling down on the chimp sanctuary nw and it’s new family unit.
CeeCee says
What a lovely tribute Diana,
it sounds like he made the world a better place, especially for the Chimpanzee’s. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sue L says
Well said and thank you; agree completely. What a wonderful man.
Robin Salak says
I’m one of those students who considered Steve a mentor. It was J.B. who recommended that I contact Steve, because of one of Steve’s studies on chimpanzee wounding. If it wasn’t for Steve, I doubt I would have been able to complete my study. Without even knowing me, he immediately gave me so much of his time, and continued to do so. He was kind, knowledgeable, and extremely helpful. About one week before he died, I emailed him, asking him how he wanted me to list his name in my acknowledgements. True to Steve, he replied quickly, and thanked me for acknowledging him. He attended my thesis proposal, and I’m sure he would have attended my defense. He accomplished so much, and his loss is huge for all people (nonhuman and human) around the world. I am heartbroken over his death, and I am extremely saddened for his family and close friends. Steve was a true inspiration and a brilliant, kind, and humble man.