Dr. Gary Shapiro

Contributor, Orangutan Conservation Initiative

Gary L. Shapiro, Ph.D., conducted pioneering research on symbolic communication with formerly captive orangutans at Camp Leakey between 1978 and 1981. His work with Princess, Rinnie, Pola and other orangutans formed the basis of his doctoral research. He later co-founded Orangutan Foundation International and is president and co-founder of the Orang Utan Republik Foundation, which advances orangutan conservation through education, scholarships and community partnerships in Indonesia.