Blogs & Publications

Wild chimpanzees in Virunga National Park are still safe from the deadly flow of lava off a volcano that erupted Saturday, according to Virunga National Park's website.

Park warden Innocent Mburanumwe wrote:

So far, in the short amount of time I’ve spent at Gombe, I've seen quite a few hunts. While most hunts happen high in the tree tops, hidden behind dense vegetation, I recently snagged a prime viewing spot for one of these events, and it was quite a sight.

We're so happy to report that Gaia has given birth again and her infant is doing well. This is in stark contrast to the series of events that took place nearly a year ago, when her mother, Gremlin took newborn twins from her. Gremlin couldn't feed the twins and they did not survive this unusual transfer of care.

Kristin and I spent the past week packing and throwing together supplies for the next 2 months of shooting in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Our list seems endless: rubber boots, quick-drying field cloths, binocs, Kristin’s stills equipment, maps and field notepads, computers and hard drives, packs, energy bars, rain capes, loads of zip lock bags, air and water tight stuff bags, a few books, and most importantly, very good chocolate. In the time leading up to the first shoot, I felt that I was an indentured servant to my endless lists.

Alastair Fothergil: Co-director of Chimpanzee

 

Since 1993, I have been documenting the behavior and lives of chimpanzees on film and video for the Jane Goodall Institute’s research center in Gombe National Park.

Since 1993, I've been documenting the behavior and lives of chimpanzees on film and video for the Jane Goodall Institute’s research center in Gombe National Park, Tanzania. My wife Kristin is a stills photographer and sound recordist and has been living with me in Gombe National Park since 1997. Together we've worked on many television film projects featuring chimpanzees and all aspects of their lives. Our hope has always been that our work bring a greater understanding of chimps to the public and that it educates people about the challenges chimps face as an endangered species.

On February 18th, Jane gave a keynote lecture and book signing at Young Harris College. The college, set amongst beautiful mountains, is located in Northern Georgia about a 3-hour drive from Atlanta.

Jane is in Georgia this week for a number of speaking engagements in Atlanta and at Young Harris College. Yesterday, she paid a visit to an old and dear friend, former President Jimmy Carter at The Carter Center.

While Jane was stuck in Washington, DC during the epic snow storm last week, she recorded a video message about what she's been up to recently. Take a look at Jane's video update from the road. Although many of Jane's appointments were unfortunately cancelled, she still was able to pay a visit to National Public Radio's Science Friday program. You can hear the interview here in case you missed it!

Although Jane was in Washington, DC this week stuck in the terrible blizzard that left the city with nearly two feet of snow, she wanted to make sure to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day! Take a look at Jane's special Valentine's Day video message.