I believe the study of chimpanzees, while it has taught us a great deal about the place of chimpanzees in nature, has taught us an equal amount about the humans place in nature. It has made us a little humble. It has certainly made me a little humble because I realize that humans are not the only rational, thinking beings on the planet. And that we re not the only creatures capable of altruism and self-sacrifice. Chimpanzees differ from us genetically in the structure of the DNA by only just over one percent.
Chimps can reason and solve problems.
They have some idea of the future. And they can make plans, and perhaps most important are the similarities in the expression of emotions. Chimpanzees are so like us, they blur the line once perceived as so sharp between humans on the one side and non-humans on the other. And that leads us to a new respect for all the other amazing non-human beings with whom we share this planet. When I suddenly realized the plight of the chimpanzees around the world, both in the wild and in captivity, I knew that I must leave my forest paradise although I do believe I keep some of it inside, the peace of the forest and travel around the world to raise people s awareness not only about the plight of chimpanzees, but about the plight of our poor old planet.