The fact that the apes exist and that we can study them is extremely important and makes us reflect on ourselves and our human nature. In that sense alone, you need to protect the apes.”
We join the primatology world in mourning the loss of researcher Frans de Waal. Frans was one of the bigger names in primatology. His studies on cognition, emotions, empathy, intelligence, (this list goes on) are widely regarded as some of the most important studies contributed to the study of primates, particularity those relating to chimpanzees and bonobos.
Though in his early years most of his studies we focused on captive lab settings, he started to champion for non-lab studies and conservation efforts. In fact, he has been associated with many sanctuaries either as a member of board of directors or as consultant on behavior and welfare.
Frans was the author of many books on the topic of intelligence and empathy. Some of those aren’t all centered around primates but go through a whole spectrum of species. I could list all the books I recommend to read, but it would be a just a majority of his works. I will though say if you haven’t read his most influential book “Chimpanzee Politics,” that would be the best place to start. “Chimpanzee Politics” is the book that actually set me down the path to where I am now. At the time, I was well down the rabbit hole of majoring in political science and only a minor in anthropology, one of the many umbrellas the field of primatology falls under, which I was unaware of at the time. That book allowed me to realize I could marry up my political science and anthropology studies together.
“Chimpanzee Politics” was so influential to me, I was able to get Frans to sign my copy when he was passing through Seattle and giving a talk about animal emotions in conjunction with the release of his book “Mama’s Last Hug,” which I also recommend. “Mama’s Last Hug,” was written after the viral video of Mama recognized one of her oldest researchers, Jan van Hooff, visited her as she was in her final days. Not only can you read all about Mama in the book, but you can also read about her in “Chimpanzee Politics.” She plays a HUGE role in that monumental book.
The world of primatology has taken two big hits recently. Other than Frans, influential researcher Christophe Boesch passed away in January. Christophe also contributed a lot to the field with his research on social cognition, tool use, and cooperation of the chimpanzees in the Taï National Forest of Côte d’Ivoire.
With that, I will leave you all with links to Frans’ TED Talks about “morality” and “alpha males.” The are both really great.
To not leave everybody totally down, here are some happy photos!
Rayne
Cy
Lucky
Gordo
Mave
Mora
These next few photo are terrible, but also too good not to share.
Cy and Lucky
Linda C says
Good to see Rayne learning to forage with receptacles, as Beezus sonetimes does. I’ve always marveled that the 6 don’t.
Such sad news, Chad. I think that, had my general ed classes taken me anywhere near that path in my college days, my life could have been much different. I’ve not read all of his books, but have enjoyed and recommended the ones I have read.
The few times I met him, he was a bit on the quiet side, so much so that I couldn’t quite believe that the loquacious man in the “Monkeys Protest Unequal Pay” was the same fellow. He was likely, of course, just sitting back and watching the dynamic of 3 women at dinner, giving up on the chance to get a word in. His prolific work and the advances it has made in knowledge of and advocacy for the species will live on forever.
My condolences to Catherine.
Tobin says
I am saddened to read of the death of Dr. de Waal. Seven years at this time, when U had just discovered the CSNW, I read every book that I could find on great apes, including his study on bonobos. His work as both a scientist as well as an advocate for the right of his subjects to exist will be missed, even as I assume that his contributions to the understanding of primate behavior will long be studied and referenced.
Fritzie says
Just yesterday I was checking to see whether he had any new books out or in the pipeline.
A great man, a great writer (also did his own illustrations!), and a great speaker.
RIP.
Adrienne says
I’m very grateful to you for commemorating Christophe Boesch and Frans de Waal and their work. Frankly, I thought all the news platforms would be full of reports of de Waal’s death since he was such a great scholar and a popular author, and now I’m a bit saddened and disappointed by the indifference and lack of obituaries. For me, de Waal was one of the greatest intellectual influence, and although I never met him personally I’m mourning him deeply. (As I’m a volunteer at the local JG Institute I was assigned the task to translate Emory’s obituary on de Waal’s passing away, and that helped a bit.) I can’t emphasize enough the impact his “Chimpanzee Politics” had on my way of thinking, not only about chimps and other animals, but also about how to be brave enough to look at things from an unusual perspective. His sarcastic humour, sincere empathy for all animals, curiosity and boldness to go against obsolete ideas and his ability to explain difficult things in a way that everyone can understand them make him one of the greates ethologists ever, as influential as Konrad Lorenz was. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved-ones.
Kathleen says
What a lovely post, Chad. I am not surprised de Waal shifted your professional goals! How proud he would be of you if he had the pleasure of knowing you and seeing you (and Burrito!) in action. And thank you the fabulous photos and captions.
I was deeply saddened when I discovered Frans de Waal’s passing. The books of his that I have read have stayed with me. And Mama, Mama! While reading Chimpanzee Politics I could discover enough about Mama and her daughter, Monique. Thank goodness de Waal had taken videos or film and in doing so, documented so much. I followed Mama closely up to the moment of that touching video before she died. To this day I still think of Mama.
One of the countless things that made de Waal so extraordinary, was his ability and soft spoken gentle nature in communicating complex scientific information into every day, digestible soundbites, that we all could understand. And when teaching us, through his books or filmed studies, he always interjected subtle humor, driving home how very similar we all are. Thank you Frans de Waal for changing minds, opening hearts, and sharing your wisdom. Although I never met you, I, for one, will truly miss you.
I’d like to add that we lost another primate animal champion recently. Steven Wise, the founder of The NonHuman Rights Project (NhRP) died on February 15. Steven spent his career fighting for legal rights for non human animals, hoping they would gain Personhood and no longer be allowed to be treated as mere “things”, objects we own and abuse.
I initially became familiar with Mr. Wise and his work when he was fighting for the rights of two chimpanzees, Reba and Merlin, living at Baliwick roadside zoo in Catskill, NY, an hour or so from where I live. Reba and Merlin became the first plaintiffs for NhRP. When Steven Wise first traveled to visit Merlin and Reba at Baliwick, he discovered Reba died. Soon after, Wise visits Save The Chimps proposing Merlin moves there if his lawsuit is successful. Three months later NhRP learned Merlin died. And so it continues …..the fight for non human animal Personhood.
I was so angered over the senseless deaths of Reba and Merlin, I started volunteering for some well-known animal welfare organizations, visiting Baliwick zoo and photographing the animals on their property. My intent was to document the poor living situations and accommodations in the hopes the facility would be closed down. That was in 2013. I sadly report that Baliwick Zoo is still an operation to this day. The law works slowly and not in favor of non-human animals. But there has been a shift thanks to Steven Wise.
Learn more:
https://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2024/02/22/steven-wise-nonhuman-rights-project-habeas-corpus-rich-barlow