Des Moines, Iowa – March 14, 2008 – Bonobos and orangutans living at Great Ape Trust of Iowa are prominently featured in Human Ape, a two-hour documentary on the genetic and behavioral similarities and differences between humans and great apes airing Monday, March 17 at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. CDT on the National Geographic Channel.
 Bonobos Kanzi and Panbanisha and orangutans Knobi and Azy are featured in the film, which charts the progress of a human and ape from the womb through early development and beyond, analyzing how the different species develop cognitively, communicate through emotions and language, use violence and sex, and utilize tools to manipulate their environment. Interviews were conducted with Great Ape Trust scientists, Dr. Rob Shumaker, director of orangutan research, and William Fields, director of bonobo research.
“For decades, the world has been educated and entertained by National Geographic documentaries,” said Al Setka, Great Ape Trust communications director. “This film, Human Ape, continues in that tradition and will communicate to viewers the scientific importance of studying ape culture, language, tool use and intelligence.”
The award-winning independent production company Pioneer Productions of London was commissioned by National Geographic Channels International, which also is airing the program. The Pioneer Productions crew filmed at Great Ape Trust in April 2007, where footage included mirror self-recognition exercises. “We have long had a fascination with our genetic similarities to apes, and this film explores the question of how far these similarities go,” said Stuart Carter, managing director of Pioneer Productions. “This two-hour landmark program provides viewers with a fascinating insight into what really makes us human.”
In the Des Moines area, the National Geographic Channel is found on Mediacom Digital Channel 208.
Great Ape Trust Background
Great Ape Trust of Iowa is a scientific research facility in southeast Des Moines dedicated to understanding the origins and future of culture, language, tools and intelligence. When completed, Great Ape Trust will be the largest great ape facility in North America and one of the first worldwide to include all four types of great ape – bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans – for noninvasive interdisciplinary studies of their cognitive and communicative capabilities.
Great Ape Trust is dedicated to providing sanctuary and an honorable life for great apes, studying the intelligence of great apes, advancing conservation of great apes and providing unique educational experiences about great apes. Great Ape Trust of Iowa is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization and is certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). |
Great Ape Trust is certified by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums
