Emory Primatologist Frans de Waal Remembered for Revolutionizing Our Understanding of Apes
A Pioneering Scientist and a Passionate Advocate for Animals
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Emory University is mourning the loss of Frans de Waal, a renowned primatologist and Candler Professor in the Psychology Department, who passed away on March 16, 2024. De Waal was a pioneer in the field of animal behavior, whose groundbreaking research helped bring apes a little closer to humans.
Born in the Netherlands in 1948, de Waal began his academic career at the University of Utrecht. In 1981, he moved to the United States to join the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center. It was there that he embarked on his groundbreaking work on chimpanzee and bonobo behavior, which challenged traditional views of animal societies as being solely based on dominance and aggression.
De Waal's research revealed that chimpanzees and bonobos possess a remarkable capacity for empathy, cooperation, and social intelligence. He discovered that these primates engage in complex social interactions, form lifelong bonds, and even display a sense of fairness. His findings not only revolutionized our understanding of primate behavior but also provided valuable insights into human social evolution.
De Waal was a prolific author, publishing over 20 books and hundreds of scientific papers. His best-known works include "Chimpanzee Politics" and "Bonobos: The Forgotten Ape," which have been translated into dozens of languages and received worldwide acclaim.
In addition to his research and writing, de Waal was a passionate advocate for animals and a vocal critic of animal cruelty. He served on the board of the Jane Goodall Institute and was a founding member of the Great Ape Project, an organization that promotes the legal protection of great apes.
Frans de Waal's groundbreaking research and unwavering dedication to animal welfare have left an enduring legacy in the field of primatology. His work has not only expanded our understanding of animal behavior but has also challenged us to rethink our relationship with the natural world. He will be deeply missed by the scientific community, the animal welfare movement, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
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