Talking Apes – Details, episodes & analysis

Season 4 Premiere: World Gorilla Day Special Episode! 🦍

We’re thrilled to launch Season 4 of Talking Apes with a special release in celebration of World Gorilla Day! This episode features an in-depth conversation with Kirsten Gilardi, Executive Director of Gorilla Doctors, the ground-breaking organization that’s saving gorillas through cutting-edge veterinary care.

In this episode, Kirsten shares her passion for gorilla conservation and the awe-inspiring experiences of working up close with these incredible animals. From the emotional moment of meeting a gorilla for the first time, to the complex challenges of protecting gorillas across the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo, this episode offers rare insights into what it takes to keep these endangered species alive.

'It was like meeting a cousin or brother for the first time, realizing they were part of my family and recognizing that kinship.'

You’ll hear about:

• Gorilla Doctors' "One Health" approach – safeguarding gorillas, people, and the environment 
• The crucial role of local vets and communities in conservation efforts 
• How tourism has helped and hindered gorilla protection 
• Incredible stories about vets in the field 

‘We’re not running a veterinary clinic outside the forest. Our vets go right into the park and do the work.’

This episode is packed with heart, inspiration, and the reality of what it takes to save one of our closest relatives from the brink of extinction. It’s a must-listen for anyone who cares about wildlife conservation, gorillas, or the future of our planet.

🎧 Tune in now and celebrate World Gorilla Day with us by diving into this amazing episode!

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Amidst the harsh terrain and frequent fires of Senegal's savanna landscape lives a community of remarkable chimps. What makes them different from their forest-dwelling kin? And what can they reveal about human evolution?
 
Join us on World Chimpanzee Day for a journey into the heart of the savanna to explore the world of chimps with Dr Jill Pruetz. Following her pioneering research in Senegal's savanna habitat, Jill reveals her incredible discoveries about the behavior of our closest relatives, offering insights into the lives of our early hominin ancestors.

'I hadn’t anticipated fire as a part of their environment, and it’s a major part of their environment.'

At Fongoli, Jill has encountered a fascinating array of behaviors that defy conventional wisdom about chimpanzees. From navigating wildfires and soaking in water for thermoregulation, to the systematic use of tools for hunting bush babies, the savanna chimps exhibit behaviors unlike any seen before.

‘There were chimps hanging out in this cave!’

One of the most striking discoveries was the remarkable imbalance between male and female hunting capabilities. Contrary to the norm observed in other chimp populations, females at Fongoli were the primary hunters, wielding tools with precision to secure prey. This unique cultural phenomenon challenges traditional views of chimp behavior and demonstrates the complexity of social dynamics across different chimpanzee communities.

Tune in to learn more now, on Talking Apes Podcast. 

To support The Fingoli Savanna Chimpanzee Project:
https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/fongoli-savanna-chimpanzee-project/ 

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 Unraveling the Meaty Mysteries of Human Evolution with Dr. Briana Pobiner

This week on Talking Apes we journey back in time to explore our ancestral roots with Dr. Briana Pobiner. As a distinguished paleoanthropologist, Dr. Pobiner delves deep into the evolution of the human diet and the pivotal role meat played in our development as a species.

Briana, who leads the Smithsonian Human Origins education and outreach initiatives, offers a unique perspective on our shared history with other apes and our progression towards becoming Homo sapiens.  

This week we're stepping away from our usual focus on modern apes to explore the dietary habits of our ancient ancestors with Briana as our amazing guide on some key topics:

The Myth of Linearity: Dr. Pobiner shatters the common misconception that human evolution is a linear progression from chimpanzees. Instead, she unveils the intricate web of evolutionary branches that make up our family tree.

The 2% Difference: Dive deep into the significance of the mere 2% difference in DNA that separates us from our closest living relatives. Discover how this small genetic gap holds significance to our unique journey.

'The cool thing about human bodies is we’re this archive of evolution and we share a lot of that evolutionary history with our closest living relatives.' - Dr Pobiner

Meat-Eating in Prehistory: Explore Dr. Pobiner's research spanning up to 2.5 million years ago, focusing on the pivotal role of meat in early human diets. Learn how she deciphers clues in fossilized bones and identifies tooth and butchery marks to reveal the stone tools our ancestors used to process their food and other ideas about how they lived.

Coexisting Hominids: Delve into the intriguing story of how multiple species of humans (hominids) lived concurrently, painting a complex picture of our ancient world.

‘This is actually a very weird time in human evolution because there’s only one type of human on the planet - through most of our evolutionary history there have been multiple lineages, multiple different species of hominids (early humans) that co-existed at the same time - that’s something to give us pause.’ - Dr Pobiner

Scavenging and Survival: Uncover the theory that early humans might have survived by scavenging meat left behind by carnivores.

Modern Paleo Diets: Dr. Pobiner shares her insights on modern paleo diets, offering a bridge between our ancestral past and present dietary trends.

Join us as we journey through time, exploring the rich tapestry of human evolution! This episode promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the intricacies of our evolutionary heritage (and maybe a rumbling tummy)!

Click here to visit the Smithsonian's Human Origins Website

Click here to read Briana's articles on human evolution

Click here to see a fascinating diagram depicting human evolution

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A World Gorilla Day Special Exploring the Fate of the Colossal Grauer's Gorillas

Situated on the eastern edge of the expansive Congo Basin in the Democratic Republic of Congo, GRACE  holds the unique distinction of being the world's sole sanctuary for Grauer's gorillas.

The largest primates on our planet, yet the least known of the gorilla species, these giants are facing a dire crisis as their numbers have plummeted drastically over the past two decades. Only 6,800 individuals now remain.

'For every baby gorilla that comes to the sanctuary, we know the family was most likely killed.'

In this episode of Talking Apes, GRACE's Programs Director, Katie Fawcett, reveals the  complexities of working in a region historically marred by devastating conflicts. The difficulty of reaching these remote gorilla territories has hampered research, conservation, and tourism efforts over the years, leaving these magnificent creatures teetering on the brink of extinction.

'GRACE lies at the start of the Congo Basin - I find that wildly exciting. But access to work in that area has been very challenging.'

Can the elusive Grauer's endure the challenges of the next decade and beyond? There is hope. Throughout our conversation, Katie reveals the remarkable achievements of GRACE. Learn about their efforts in building trust with local communities and establishing a resilient Congolese team, all working toward a vision of sustainable community-led conservation.
 
'Our goal is to come out with a model of community led conservation - where the forests are protected, the gorillas are protected, and the people are benefitting.'

- Dr Katie Fawcett

Click here to visit the GRACE website.

Click here to see GRACE's 14 beautiful gorilla inhabitants.

Click HERE to support our show with Talking Apes Merch. 

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Diana Kanweri closes not only our special Making of Chimp Empire series, but Season 2 of Talking Apes. The talented Ugandan chimpanzee field guide and camera operator was the first ever Ugandan woman to work on the Ngogo Chimp Project and made an invaluable contribution to the Netflix docuseries. Diana's expertise in navigating the Ugandan wilderness and her keen eye for capturing stunning shots made her an integral part of the filmmaking team behind Chimp Empire.

During her appearance on the podcast, Diana shared her experiences and the challenges she faced while working on the series. Her deep connection to the local environment and her understanding of the chimpanzees' behavior allowed her to capture some of the most impactful and memorable shots of the entire series. Her ability to anticipate and frame key moments in the chimpanzees' lives added an extra layer of visual storytelling to Chimp Empire.

‘I know chimps better than I know my own family. I’m happy, and I think in a way I owe that to them.’ 

Director of Photography. Ben Sadd, in our conversation for Talking Apes, himself acknowledged Diana's remarkable talent, praising her for capturing shots that had a profound impact on the viewers. Her camera work not only showcased the beauty and majesty of the Ngogo chimpanzees but also provided an intimate window into their daily lives, drawing audiences into their world.

‘A chimp saved me life from a large elephant coming up behind me. He warned me and waited for me to run away with him. I couldn’t believe a chimp saved my life.’ 

Diana's contribution to Chimp Empire went beyond her technical skills as a camera operator. Her presence in the Ugandan wilderness and her understanding of the local ecosystem brought authenticity and depth to the documentary series. By capturing the essence of the chimpanzees' natural habitat, Diana's footage added a sense of place and context, enhancing the overall storytelling of the series.

As a field guide and camera operator, Diana played an instrumental role in bringing the wonders of the Ngogo chimpanzees to audiences around the world. Her skillful cinematography and her deep connection to the park and its wildlife allowed viewers to witness the chimpanzees' lives with a sense of intimacy and awe. 

This podcast contains spoilers and we recommend that listeners watch the series on Netflix before listening. 

Netflix theme, and Chimp Empire intro, narration and music, used by permission and under license from Netflix, for use in GLOBIO's Talking Apes four-part podcast series The Making Of - Chimp Empire - Behind The Scenes.

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‘When I arrived at Ngogo, it didn’t take me long to figure out this place was unusual.’ 

For the second installment of our Making of Chimp Empire Series, we were privileged to have the esteemed Professor John Mitani as a guest on Talking Apes. John shared intimate stories about his extraordinary lifetime of work studying the Ngogo chimpanzees and his latest adventure serving as a scientific adviser to the team of filmmakers working on the  hit Netflix docuseries. 

‘The Ngogo chimps have been filmed many times by many people - but nothing like this.’

During our chat, John spoke passionately about his deep connection with the Ngogo chimps owed to his decades-spanning research efforts. His extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of primatology added a profound layer of understanding to the documentary series. As the scientific adviser to the filmmakers, he played a pivotal role in ensuring accuracy and authenticity in the portrayal of chimpanzee behavior and social dynamics.

One remarkable aspect of Professor Mitani's relationship with the director, James Reed, was their blossoming friendship. Through their shared passion for chimpanzees, a bond was formed that transcended the boundaries of their respective disciplines. James recognized the importance of including the scientific community in the filmmaking process and, in doing so, granted Professor Mitani unprecedented levels of creative access. This collaboration between a scientist and a filmmaker brought a unique perspective to Chimp Empire, combining scientific rigor with compelling storytelling.

 ‘The chimps accept our presence. I have a hard time wrapping my head around why, but I'm grateful for it.’ 

By granting Professor Mitani a significant role in the making of Chimp Empire, James elevated the documentary series beyond a mere visual spectacle. The integration of scientific expertise added depth and credibility to the project, ensuring that the behaviors and social dynamics of the Ngogo chimpanzees were accurately portrayed. John told us that this level of collaboration between scientists and filmmakers at Ngogo is not commonplace, making Chimp Empire a truly exceptional exploration of chimp life. 

John will be joining us again on Season 3 of Talking Apes Podcast to talk about his astounding career studying chimpanzee society with the Ngogo Chimpanzee Project. Coming Autumn 2023. 

Click HERE to read more about how the chimps are doing NOW, which was put together with John’s help. 

Click HERE to watch a short behind-the-scenes video of Chimp Empire featuring John.

This podcast contains spoilers and we recommend that listeners watch the series on Netflix before listening. 

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‘Chimpanzees are just incredibly special animals and I think what makes them so unique is their individuality. It’s such a privilege to be able to spend so much time with them.’

The third installation going behind-the-scenes of Chimp Empire in our four-part series celebrating World Chimp Day 2023, featuring immensely talented Director of Photography, Benjamin Sadd. Ben played a crucial role in the creation of the remarkable Netflix docuseries. His passion for wildlife filmmaking and his love for capturing the lives of chimpanzees shines through his work. His dedication to his craft and his genuine affection for these incredible creatures were evident throughout the conversation.

During our discussion, Ben shared his journey of falling in love with filming chimps. His deep connection with these animals goes beyond the technical aspects of cinematography. Ben expressed a personal attachment to the chimpanzees he encountered during the filming of Chimp Empire. His desire to return to Ngogo forest reflects his genuine longing to reconnect with the individuals he has come to know and document.

‘When you’re running through the forest trying to keep up with these chimpanzees, you feel like you’re on their team. You’re rooting for them.’ 

Ben’s commitment to capturing the essence of chimpanzees on film is evident in the stunning visuals of Chimp Empire. His ability to immerse the audience in the world of these intelligent and social creatures is a testament to his skill and artistry as a director of photography. The depth of his connection with the chimpanzees and his desire to share their stories with the world truly sets him apart as a remarkable filmmaker in the wildlife genre.

Click here to visit Ben’s website. 

This podcast contains spoilers and we recommend that listeners watch the series on Netflix before listening. 

Netflix theme, and Chimp Empire intro, narration and music, used by permission and under license from Netflix, for use in GLOBIO's Talking Apes four-part podcast series The Making Of - Chimp Empire - Behind The Scenes.

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‘We didn’t decide what we wanted the story to be. We wanted the chimps to tell their story, and document that with the highest level of authenticity.’ 

Director James Reed is a visionary filmmaker whose work has captivated audiences around the world. His 2023 Netflix docuseries, Chimp Empire, showcases his remarkable storytelling abilities and his dedication to shedding light on the lives of chimpanzees. This groundbreaking series provides a rare and intimate glimpse into the complex social dynamics and behaviors of these incredible creatures, unraveling the intricate tapestry of their lives in a way that is both educational and emotionally resonant.

‘Your audience is human, so you’re bridging a gap. You’re connecting a human audience to an animal story.’

James is one of four guests joining us on Talking Apes to celebrate World Chimpanzee Day on July 14th with a behind-the-scenes look at The Making of Chimp Empire. During our conversation, James provided insights into the challenges and joys of capturing the chimpanzees' lives on camera. His passion for the subject matter was evident as he discussed the extensive research and patience required to portray these animals' behaviors accurately. He highlighted the importance of storytelling as a means to bridge the gap between humans and chimpanzees, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared evolutionary journey.

‘What’s really interesting are the comments from people who normally aren’t into natural history who say they are blown away by the complexities and similarities and fascination of these animals. That feels like a huge achievement.’ 

As a director, James and his filmmaking crew have elevated the art of nature documentaries, combining stunning cinematography, immersive storytelling, and scientific accuracy to create a powerful viewing experience. Chimp Empire serves as a testament to the profound impact that media can have in fostering a deeper connection between humans and the animal kingdom.

James also co-directed the oscar-winning My Octopus Teacher, directed Rise of The Warrior Apes, and worked as a producer on Disney’s Chimpanzee. 

Click HERE to visit James Reed’s production company, Underdog Films

Official Netflix clip: The Death of Pork Pie

This podcast contains spoilers and we recommend that listeners watch the series on Netflix before listening. 

Netflix theme, and Chimp Empire intro, narration and music, used by permission and under license from Netflix, for use in GLOBIO's Talking Apes four-part podcast series The Mak

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In recent years, podcasts have emerged as an innovative and accessible medium for science education. With their ability to engage, inform, and entertain listeners, podcasts have become an invaluable tool for disseminating knowledge about various scientific disciplines...including the best one of all, primatology  ;)

It probably won't come as a surprise that  - apart from, of course, our own -  Andrew MacIntosh's, podcast, The PrimateCast,  run out of Kyoto University's Wildlife Research Center, is the Talking Apes team's collective favourite podcast.

Enlightening audiences about the wonders of primatology, evolution, and anthropology since 2012, the show has featured fascinating conversations with some of the primatology world's troop-leaders, including Frans de Waal, John Mitani, and the chimp queen herself, Jane Goodall.

This week we had a lovely chat with Andrew on Talking Apes, where we delved into the history of The PrimateCast and how podcasting has become an indispensable tool to engage and educate the public about primates, the threats they face, and the vital conservation of their habitats. 

We also talked about Andrew's colourful scientific career as part primatologist/marine biologist, behavioural ecologist, and university professor; and his long-term research on the intersection between animal behaviour and parasitism.

Check out the wonderful PrimateCast at theprimatecast.com

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Held captive as pets, dressed in human clothes, forced to perform tricks, and in some cases, even brutally tortured and killed. These are just some of the despicable ways that primates and other wildlife are being exploited online for likes, shares, and cash. 

The rise of social media has unfortunately made it easier for people to share photos and videos of animal cruelty. And according to research, primates make up an overwhelming majority of the abuse cases we find online. 

What’s perhaps even more disturbing is the growing online community who not only seek out this kind of content, but are willing to pay to see horrific acts of abuse committed.

What’s worse - the social media platforms, like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, allow revenue to flow into the pockets of the content creators thanks to the popularity of these videos.

'I've watched some of these videos and I can't always watch them all the way through because they're so awful...what's worse are the comments from the community watching and enjoying them.'

The range of types of online animal abuse is vast, varying from obvious and outright acts of violence to the more subtle and insidious fake rescues and wildlife as pets. Cruelty disguised as cuteness fuelling and perpetuating the illegal wildlife trade. 

Nicola O’Brien has been on a 20-year mission to ensure that vulnerable and defenseless animals are treated with respect and dignity. She has taken on the goliath-sized task of confronting the social media giants that allow this content to be uploaded to their platforms. 

‘We are working with the platforms and trying to pressure them to enforce their own policies and remove these clear examples of abuse.’

Leading up the Social Media Animal Cruelty Coalition (SMACC), Nicola and her team are pushing for social media platforms to enforce their own policies and stop providing a platform for this disgusting content. 

Listen now to find out how you can help from home, with just a few clicks. 

Visit www.smaccoalition.com to learn more. 

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