Great Apes and Humans: The Ethics of Coexistence (Zoo and

Great Apes and Humans: The Ethics of Coexistence (Zoo and Aquarium Biology and Conservation Series)

The great apes -- gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and orangutans -- are known to be our closest living relatives. Chimpanzees in particular share 98 percent of our DNA, and scientists widely agree that they exhibit intellectual abilities long thought to be unique to humans, such as self-awareness and the ability to interpret the moods and identify the needs of others. The close relation of apes to humans raises important ethical questions. Are they better protected in the wild or in zoos? Should they be used in biomedical research? Should they be afforded the same legal protections as humans?

Great Apes and Humans is the first book to present a spectrum of viewpoints on human responsibilities toward great apes. A variety of field biologists, academic scientists, zoo professionals, psychologists, sociologists, ethicists, and legal scholars consider apes in both the wild and captivity. They present sobering statistics on the declining numbers of wild apes, specifically discussing the decimation of great ape populations due to wild game consumption. They explore the role of apes in the educational missions of zoos as well as the need for sanctuaries for wild ape orphans and former research subjects. After examining the social division between apes and humans from historical, evolutionary, and cognitive perspectives, they conclude by reviewing the current moral and legal status of great apes as well as how apes' cognitive skills inform these issues.

Although this provocative book contains many different opinions, the uniting concern of the contributors is the safety and well-being of great apes. Only by continuing the dialogue so clearly presented here can we hope to ensure their future.

Country	USA
Binding	Hardcover
Brand	Brand: Smithsonian Institution Press
EAN	9781560989691
Edition	1st
Feature	Used Book in Good Condition
ISBN	1560989696
Label	Smithsonian Institution Press
Manufacturer	Smithsonian Institution Press
NumberOfItems	1
NumberOfPages	388
PublicationDate	2001-08-17
Publisher	Smithsonian Institution Press
ReleaseDate	2001-08-17
Studio	Smithsonian Institution Press

Great Apes and Humans: The Ethics of Coexistence (Zoo and Aquarium Biology and Conservation Series)

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