Orangutans, often referred to as ‘the noble ape’, embody a wisdom and grace that captivates the human imagination. But what exactly does this moniker entail, and what lessons can we glean from our wise cousins? Leif Cocks, founder of The Orangutan Project and conservationist with over three decades of experience working with the great apes, is set to embark on a transformative tour across the USA. During the tour, he will delve into the depths of orangutan intelligence, their remarkable abilities, and the intricacies of their way of life. Audiences will be transported into the heart of the rain forests in Sumatra and Borneo as he shares intimate stories and insights, revealing the connections between orangutans and humanity.
Also Read: Would you help build a ‘baby house’ for orphaned orangutan infants in Indonesia?
Through Cocks’s engaging narrative, attendees will gain a fresh perspective on their own existence, viewing the world through a new lens illuminated by the wisdom of our tree-dwelling cousins, The Orangutan Project said in a press release. “We have under 10 years to save orangutans from extinction,” warns Cocks. “Yet, amidst the challenges of an extinction crisis, there remains a glimmer of hope. Orangutans teach us invaluable lessons of love and compassion, offering us a beacon of optimism in these uncertain times.”
The Orangutan Project stands at the forefront of conservation efforts, working alongside partners on the ground in Borneo and Sumatra to protect vital rain-forest ecosystems. Attendees of Cocks’s tour will gain a deeper understanding of how safeguarding these habitats is not only crucial for wildlife preservation but also essential for creating a more sustainable world for all beings.
“Without urgent intervention, orangutans may face extinction within a decade,” emphasizes Cocks. “That’s why I’m bringing my message to the United States, urging individuals to take action and make a tangible difference in securing the future of our planet and all its inhabitants.” Following Cocks’s talk, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an extended question-answer session, delving into topics ranging from orangutan intelligence to humanity and how each individual can contribute to the preservation of this noble species.
| City | Date and time | Venue | Tickets |
| Boston | Sunday, June 30, 3-5 p.m. | Massachusetts College of Art and Design, 621 Huntington Ave, Boston, Massachusetts | www.theorangutanproject.org/tour |
| New York City | Friday, July 5, 3-5 p.m. | General Assembly, 10 East 21st Street, New York | |
| Washington, D.C. | Tuesday, July 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The National Union Building, 918 F St NW, Washington, D.C. | |
| Seattle | Saturday, July 13, 2-4 p.m. | Ballard Homestead, 6541 Jones Ave NW, Seattle, Washington | |
| San Francisco | Thursday, July 18, 7-9 p.m. | USF McLaren Conference Centre, 2130 Fulton St, San Francisco, California | |
| Los Angeles | Thursday, July 25, 7-9 p.m. | Illusion Magic Lounge, 1418 4th Street, Santa Monica, California |
Leif Cocks is founder of The Orangutan Project, an international charity that has raised over $31 million for orangutan conservation since 1998. Beginning as a zookeeper, curator and small population biologist at a zoo, he has worked with orangutans for more than 30 years, establishing the world’s most successful breeding colony of the apes, facilitating orangutan rescues, and successfully reintroducing them to the wild, including the first ever zoo-born orangutan.
Also Read: Air Canada turns Earth Month spotlight on illegal wildlife trade
Cocks has published several papers in peer-reviewed journals on orangutans and serves on numerous boards and technical advisory groups. He is the author of a number of books, including Finding Our Humanity and Orangutans My Cousins, My Friends. In 2019, he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal by the Australian government, and his university’s highest award, the John Curtin Medal, for his dedication to species conservation.
SOURCE: PR Newswire
