Orangutans: My Cousins, My Friends—Leif Cocks

Orangutan Project founder Leif Cocks chonicles his efforts to protect orangutans and ensure their wellbeing in captivity and the wild.

The word orangutan comes from two Malay words: orang meaning person and hutan meaning forest. Orangutans, or people of the forest, are among the most intelligent primates in the animal kingdom, known for sophisticated communication skills and use of tools. For nearly three decades, Leif Cocks has advocated for these highly intelligent creatures; from rehabilitating formerly captive orangutans to restoring natural habitats in Borneo, he has dedicated his life to their conservation and care.

His new book, Orangutans: My Cousins, My Friends, details his journey to better understand and protect these creatures.  Combining memoir, philosophical investigation, and an evidence-based call for conservation, Orangutans describes the current plight of orangutans—and offers concrete ways to become involved in the conservation effort.

Leif Cocks joins us for a discussion of the book, followed by Q&A.

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The Program Room opens at 6 PM.