Perhaps like many people I became intrigued with Frans de Waal after watching the infamous cucumber-grape experiment with Capuchin monkeys. I have read several of his books, and was even able to attend a lecture and say hello after his talk and get a book signed (he was very gracious). I am an animal care specialist who works with Marine mammals and have worked with primates as well. His writings, particularly “Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?” , were completely eye-opening for me. He greatly expanded our knowledge of animal intellect, emotion, and empathy. In so doing he shed light on our own achievements and limitations of human reasoning and emotional intelligence and empathy for others! This is a great loss to the world. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
top of page
bottom of page