In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have observed a male orangutan, Rakus, using plants as medicine—a first-ever recording of a wild animal self-medicating for wound care. This unique behavior was spotted in the jungle, where Rakus chewed the stem and leaves of a plant known for its anti-inflammatory properties and applied it to his injured cheek. The wound, likely caused by a territorial fight, healed within a month.

What makes this finding extraordinary is its implications for both orangutans and humans. Dr Isabelle Laumer, the lead researcher and guest on our latest Talking Apes episode, highlights how Rakus' actions could offer insights into the evolutionary roots of self-medication in primates, possibly tracing back to a common ancestor. Her research opens up questions about how much orangutans—and perhaps other great apes—might already know about medicinal plants in their environment.

Join us for this special Orangutan Caring Week episode to explore how this discovery reshapes our understanding of primate intelligence, behavior, and our shared evolutionary past. Don't miss this look into the wild world of orangutan healing techniques.

Tune in to uncover the full story and the fascinating questions it raises!

Send us a text

Support the show

Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
BUY OUR MERCH

Generations at Gombe: Elizabeth Lonsdorf on Chimpanzee Mothers, Babies, and the Power of Long-Term Study

In this episode of Talking Apes we’re joined by Elizabeth Lonsdorf whose decades spanning career has been rooted at Gombe, the iconic chimpanzee research site founded by Dr. Jane Goodall. What started as a project to study tool-use in wild chimps has evolved into a lifetime of discovery. Elizabeth, now co-director of the Gombe Mother-Infant Project, explores the most intimate relationships in chimpanzee society: mothers and their babies.

How does a chimpanzee’s early life adversity—such as losing its mother—affect its behavior as an adult? How do maternal behaviors pass through generations, and what can this teach us about the evolution of childhood in both chimpanzees and humans? Elizabeth shares how her team tracks these remarkable apes from nest to nest, gathering fecal samples (yes, chimp poop is gold!) and data on everything from social bonds to stress hormones.

Elizabeth discusses how chimps are not just “chimps.” Every community has its own culture, behaviors, and unique challenges. Tune in to find out how the Gombe research team is now following the fifth generation of chimps and why there are still so many mysteries left to uncover in the lives of our closest animal relatives.

You won’t want to miss this deep dive into the generational stories of Gombe chimps.

Click here to visit Elizabeth's website

Send us a text

Support the show

Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
BUY OUR MERCH

Season 4 Premiere: World Gorilla Day Special Episode! 🦍

We’re thrilled to launch Season 4 of Talking Apes with a special release in celebration of World Gorilla Day! This episode features an in-depth conversation with Kirsten Gilardi, Executive Director of Gorilla Doctors, the ground-breaking organization that’s saving gorillas through cutting-edge veterinary care.

In this episode, Kirsten shares her passion for gorilla conservation and the awe-inspiring experiences of working up close with these incredible animals. From the emotional moment of meeting a gorilla for the first time, to the complex challenges of protecting gorillas across the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo, this episode offers rare insights into what it takes to keep these endangered species alive.

'It was like meeting a cousin or brother for the first time, realizing they were part of my family and recognizing that kinship.'

You’ll hear about:

• Gorilla Doctors' "One Health" approach – safeguarding gorillas, people, and the environment
• The crucial role of local vets and communities in conservation efforts
• How tourism has helped and hindered gorilla protection
• Incredible stories about vets in the field

‘We’re not running a veterinary clinic outside the forest. Our vets go right into the park and do the work.’

This episode is packed with heart, inspiration, and the reality of what it takes to save one of our closest relatives from the brink of extinction. It’s a must-listen for anyone who cares about wildlife conservation, gorillas, or the future of our planet.

🎧 Tune in now and celebrate World Gorilla Day with us by diving into this amazing episode!

Send us a text

Support the show

Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
BUY OUR MERCH

Amidst the harsh terrain and frequent fires of Senegal's savanna landscape lives a community of remarkable chimps. What makes them different from their forest-dwelling kin? And what can they reveal about human evolution?

Join us on World Chimpanzee Day for a journey into the heart of the savanna to explore the world of chimps with Dr Jill Pruetz. Following her pioneering research in Senegal's savanna habitat, Jill reveals her incredible discoveries about the behavior of our closest relatives, offering insights into the lives of our early hominin ancestors.

'I hadn’t anticipated fire as a part of their environment, and it’s a major part of their environment.'

At Fongoli, Jill has encountered a fascinating array of behaviors that defy conventional wisdom about chimpanzees. From navigating wildfires and soaking in water for thermoregulation, to the systematic use of tools for hunting bush babies, the savanna chimps exhibit behaviors unlike any seen before.

‘There were chimps hanging out in this cave!’

One of the most striking discoveries was the remarkable imbalance between male and female hunting capabilities. Contrary to the norm observed in other chimp populations, females at Fongoli were the primary hunters, wielding tools with precision to secure prey. This unique cultural phenomenon challenges traditional views of chimp behavior and demonstrates the complexity of social dynamics across different chimpanzee communities.

Tune in to learn more now, on Talking Apes Podcast.

To support The Fingoli Savanna Chimpanzee Project:
https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/fongoli-savanna-chimpanzee-project/

Send us a text

Support the show

Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
BUY OUR MERCH

Learn about the secrets of ape society with Dr John Mitani

Join us for the second time on Talking Apes with John Mitani, a renowned primatologist with over three decades of experience studying chimpanzees in the wild. Known for his ground-breaking research and role as the scientific consultant for Netflix's "Chimp Empire," John shares his wealth of knowledge and incredible experiences from the forests of Kibale and beyond.

From discovering unusually large chimpanzee groups to observing intricate social dynamics, John’s journey is filled with fascinating tales. His work at Ngogo has unveiled the complexities of chimpanzee cooperation, politics, and hunting strategies, revealing behaviors that were once unimaginable.

'This was a giant chimpanzee group - well over 100 individuals - much larger than any other chimpanzee community observed previously.'

John explains how long-term observations have led to unexpected discoveries about chimpanzees, their life expectancy; and critical conservation issues, including snare removal efforts and the challenges posed by the global illegal trade in wild meat.

'Ecotourism is one success story. I'm absolutely convinced there would be no mountain gorillas left without it.'

Tune in to explore the secret lives of forest apes, the importance of long-term studies, and the urgent need for innovative conservation strategies.

Send us a text

Support the show

Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
BUY OUR MERCH

Playful Teasing in Great Apes with Isabelle Laumer

Did you know that great apes engage in playful teasing, much like human children?

Join us for another episode of Talking Apes Podcast featuring Isabelle Laumer, a renowned researcher in animal behavior and cognition at Max Planck. Isabelle and her team have conducted groundbreaking research on playful teasing in great apes, revealing fascinating parallels between our closest relatives and human infants.

In this episode, we delve into the cognitive abilities of apes, exploring what their playful behaviors tell us about their social dynamics and relationships. Isabelle's research highlights the deep evolutionary roots of humor and play, offering a fresh perspective on the social minds of these incredible animals.

Isabelle shares her insights on how young apes interact with adults in their groups through laughter, playful antics, and more.

Click HERE to watch video - Playful teasing in apes

Credits: Laumer I. B. et al., 2024, Proceedings of the Royal Society B

Click HERE to read the full scientific paper by Laumer et al.

Send us a text

Support the show

Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
BUY OUR MERCH

Join us for this episode of Talking Apes featuring Jeremy Hance, a distinguished environmental journalist renowned for his unwavering commitment to biodiversity. With a prolific career writing for outlets like Mongabay and the Guardian, Jeremy shares his insights on conservation and the emotional challenges of his work.

Jeremy shares his lifelong love for wild things and his identity as a storyteller. He talks about the joy and challenges of covering critical issues like global warming, poaching, and species loss, and the emotional toll these topics take on his mental health.

Jeremy also discusses his book, "Baggage: Confessions of a Globe-Trotting Hypochondriac," which candidly explores his battles with anxiety, depression, and OCD while still finding joy in his work.

Discover how Jeremy's storytelling connects people to the natural world and inspires action. We also delve into the urgent need for large-scale solutions to environmental problems and the potential for humanity to make rapid, necessary changes.

"You have these people who devote their lives to a single species on our planet. That to me is so inspiring - that is a really hopeful side of our species."

Tune in for a powerful conversation about the intersection of environmental advocacy and personal resilience, and gain insight into the passion and perseverance behind Jeremy's work.

Read Jeremy's Mongabay Articles
Read Jeremy's Guardian Articles
Buy Jeremy's Book

Send us a text

Support the show

Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
BUY OUR MERCH

Does connecting to a planet require seeing it? And at what cost to the environment, the wildlife, and people?

Join us for an Earth Day special on Talking Apes Podcast as we chat with Ben Bressler, founder of Natural Habitat Adventures, about the transformative power of purposeful travel.

'We're passionate about conservation, and we're passionate about travel, so we use travel to affect conservation.'

A Conservation Journey:
From humble beginnings in the late 1980s, Natural Habitat Adventures has grown into a global leader in environmental travel. Their intimate, curated wildlife adventures offer unforgettable experiences while prioritizing conservation efforts worldwide.

Influencing Change:
NatHab's impact goes beyond tourism, influencing industry-wide practices and partnering with organizations like World Wildlife Fund US and GLOBIO to shape a future where travel is purposeful and sustainable.

Connect & Explore:
Discover meaningful adventures with Natural Habitat Adventures and join the conversation on Earth Day as we delve into the transformative power of purposeful travel.

Connect with Natural Habitat Adventures:

Website: Natural Habitat Adventures
Explore Trips: Our Trips
Conservation Initiatives: Electric Safari Vehicle
Watch: Make Travel Meaningful

Natural Habitat Sustainability Report: https://www.nathab.com/conservation/sustainability-report/

Social Media:
Instagram: @naturalhabitatadventures
Twitter: @NatHab

Send us a text

Support the show

Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
BUY OUR MERCH