For more than three decades, world-renowned orangutan expert Leif Cocks has worked to secure the survival of Critically Endangered orangutans in the wild. As a zoologist, author, speaker and founder of The Orangutan Project, he is an outspoken campaigner on their behalf and a key player in developing conservation plans for their protection, including leading the first-ever successful reintroduction of a zoo-born orangutan into the wild.
A small population biologist and primatologist by trade, Leif has several academic qualifications, including a Master of Science studying orangutans, and is a worthy recipient of the John Curtin Medal, Curtin University's highest award for achievement. Leif is a seasoned public speaker and has published several academic papers on orangutans in peer-reviewed journals. He is also the author of four books – Orangutans and their Battle for Survival, the #1 Amazon Best Seller Orangutans My Cousins, My Friends, and his latest book published in April 2019, Finding Our Humanity.
About The Orangutan Project
Founded by Leif in 1998, The Orangutan Project is an international charity striving to save Critically Endangered orangutans from extinction. The organisation takes a holistic approach to orangutan conservation, including supporting the rescue, rehabilitation and release of infant and displaced orangutans, and the protection and renewal of orangutan habitat. It also recognises the importance of support at grassroots level and works closely with local communities. The Orangutan Project’s goal is to help legally secure eight intact, rainforest ecosystems so all species of orangutan can live in secure populations for the decades to come. For more information, visit www.theorangutanproject.org.
