Orangutan Expert and The Orangutan Project Founder Leif Cocks Releases New Book
'Finding Our Humanity' explores connection, shared history between great apes and humans
NEW YORK, April 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Orangutan Project (TOP), a non-partisan organization dedicated to orangutan conservation and welfare, has announced the global launch of orangutan expert and founder Leif Cocks' newest book, "Finding Our Humanity." The book delves into Cocks' own experiences with great apes, which spans nearly 30 years, and encourages the reader to consider how a "philosophical approach to life can teach us about our humanity."
"It can be difficult sometimes for people to see the similarities between humans and orangutans," Cocks said. "I've spent the majority of my life with these great apes and witnessed their humanity many times. We are all Great Apes. Orangutans and humans share 97% of their DNA makeup. Orangutans have cognitive thoughts and have as much humanity as you or me, sometimes more so."
Cocks is also the author of 2002's "Orangutans and their Battle for Survival" and 2016's "Orangutans My Cousins, My Friends." He has served as president of The Orangutan Project since its inception in 1998.
The Orangutan Project chose to coordinate the book's launch with Earth Day, a global movement dedicated to supporting environmental protection efforts. Cocks will be going on a book tour throughout the U.S. and Canada in June and July, including stops in Toronto, Vancouver, New York and Los Angeles.
"When I say orangutans are people, I get a lot of funny looks," Cocks said. "But they have some of the most beautiful souls you'll ever come across. 'Finding Our Humanity' isn't about convincing people orangutans should be protected. It's not about pushing an agenda. It's not even about conservation efforts. It's about helping you understand the connection between other great apes and humans. We share so much more than DNA, and that heritage deserves to be celebrated."
"Finding Our Humanity" is available for purchase on Amazon.
Since its formation in 1998, The Orangutan Project has contributed more than $10 million directly into orangutan conservation projects. Every dollar raised for TOP goes toward saving orangutans. The organization has earned a reputation among its partners and donors for being financially responsible and transparent.
For more about TOP, visit https://www.theorangutanproject.org/.
About The Orangutan Project
The Orangutan Project is a non-partisan organization that collaborates with several orangutan conservation projects on the ground in Indonesia to support the conservation and rehabilitation of orangutans and the preservation of their forest habitat. Founded by world-renowned orangutan expert Leif Cocks, The Orangutan Project's goal is to ensure the survival of the orangutan species in their natural habitat. For more information, visit https://www.theorangutanproject.org/.
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SOURCE The Orangutan Project
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