Primate Conservation with Lou Grossfeldt

Animals in Translation is a podcast brought to you by hosts from across the globe who talk with experts about their animal welfare work. The goal? To deconstruct animal issues into palatable pieces for listeners wanting to dig deeper into international animal welfare, ethics, or policy. Tune in monthly for new episodes.

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In this episode, Lou Grossfeldt, a primate husbandry expert at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia, shares her extensive experience in animal welfare and conservation. Lou’s conservation efforts expand across the globe, including her work with Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation in Indonesia, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) in the US, and the Cuc Phuong National Park in Vietnam. She has co-authored the books: Our Primate Family: Stories of Conservation and Kin and Amanka Stories: Saving the Last Apes.

During this interview, Lou discusses the evolution of zoos, the importance of collaboration among various organizations, and the unique needs of primates in captivity. Lou emphasizes the role of NGOs in conservation efforts, the challenges posed by poaching and illegal trade, and the significance of responsible ecotourism. She recommends doing your research and checking the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) when traveling. Lou advocates for education as a vital tool in animal advocacy and expresses hope for the future of primate conservation, highlighting the need for a shared existence between humans, nature, and wildlife.