Human respiratory viruses are already the leading cause of death in chimp communities at Kibale and at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, where Jane Goodall worked, according to a study by Goldberg and colleagues. Now, as COVID-19 spreads closer to endangered great apes in Africa and Asia, researchers and veterinarians are gearing up to protect the apes as well as local people.
After observing great apes in Borneo, an anthropologist reflects on being raised by a single mother—and on how women learn to be good moms.
Dr. Goodall’s work has changed our basic understanding of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. Rolling Stone caught up with Goodall, 86, for our special Climate Issue before the outbreak shut down the planet.
For the first time, the National Geographic Museum has developed a virtual tour of the “Becoming Jane” exhibition and we invite you to explore with us.
Great apes have been put on lockdown against the threat of coronavirus.
Gorilla tourism in Africa has been suspended, while sanctuaries for other apes, such as orangutans, have closed to the public.
It’s not known if great apes can contract the virus, but there are growing fears that our closest living relatives might be equally at risk.