The conservation story of Orangutans | Leif Cocks (The Orangutan Project)

Conservation Careers Podcast

Did you know that Orangutans are the most intelligent beings on the planet after humans?

Perfectly adapted to their environment, they pass on their knowledge and culture through each generation, in order to help future generations to thrive.

As self-aware being - as intelligent as a six-year-old child - their drive to extinction is an individual story of horror. Sometimes being macheted and burnt alive as an agricultural pest.

To talk us through the conservation story of the Orangutans today is the world-renowned founder of The Orangutan Project, Leif Cocks.

Leif has had a 30-year career working with Orangutans. He’s a passionate campaigner for the species and has been a key player in developing conservation plans for Orangutans and influencing positive change for orangutan protection and survival. This includes the first-ever successful reintroduction of the zoo-born Orangutan into the wild.

We start the chat with his first connection with the species, before talking about what makes the species so special and fragile, then discussing the threats they face and conservation activities that could turn the story around.

We also discuss the skills, roles and mindset needed in order to succeed in nature conservation on the frontline.

It’s a wide-ranging, thoughtful and fascinating discussion. Enjoy.