Our Wild World

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has just announced a final ruling that classifies all chimpanzees, both wild and captive, as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). What we have finally realized is that our best efforts of the past were not enough and Chimpanzees are but a single example of this widespread problem, and hopes are that this will pave the way for other species both wild and captive. Dr. Stephen Ross has two decades of experience studying primate behavior, and is Director of the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes, Lincoln Park Zoo. His primary focus is measuring and improving the welfare of all chimpanzees by assessing housing and management of chimps in captivity and private ownership. Steve’s knowledge was essential in the design of Lincoln Park Zoo ape habitat, and culminated in 2009