Conservation, preservation, and research are all part of the same picture. Lastly, you might encounter some people who think that if you know about evolution, and accept it as the explanation of creation of life as we know it, then you are a godless heathen. Be prepared for religious fundamentalist arguments that will never be resolved. All you need to know is that science is always open to question. That's why it's not religion.
Science is a way of knowing.
Then, my best suggestion to you is to get yourself to the meetings of the American Society of Primatologists . Hang out, listen to the papers and look at the posters. Better yet, talk to some of us around the local watering hole. We'll even have name badges on so you can spot us and call us by name. Almost all of us, regardless of how we got into this field, are very willing to chat with you and let you know what we did to get where we are, as well as telling you what you don't want to do.