The last twenty-four hours were spent at the Great Apes Trust learning about an incredible research facility–one focused on generating rich cognitive data from Orangutans and Bonobos that live, not in a Zoo, but an a truly enriched environment. This facility, designed by a talented group of primatalogists including Krasnow’s own Rob Shumaker and led by board chair and founder Ted Towsend lies on some 230 acres of forest and meadowland along the Des Moines River. Suffice it to say, I was impressed. The pictures are of a sculpture that was actually just completed yesterday of Azy, the male organutan, who appears in the next image (next to another female) with Rob Shumaker. My colleague in the sculpture image is Professor Ann Palkovich of Krasnow and the Mason department of anthropology.
Following the site visit, the dinner yesterday evening at Ted’s beautiful house was spectacular.
In the meantime, I’m back for a while. The construction seems to be progressing well and we are looking forward to the excitement that will commence in August with the new academic year.
Jim
Discoverers and Discoveries 