Chimpan A to Chimpan Z with Dr. Stephen Ross

With almost two decades of experience studying primate behavior Dr. Stephen Ross, Director Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes at Lincoln Park Zoo, focuses on using both animal behavior and science to influence policy, and further the positive effects for animal welfare. His primary focus is assessing, measuring and improving the welfare of chimpanzees in a wide scope of conditions- from inappropriate portrayal of chimpanzees in popular media to assessing the housing and management of chimps in captivity, to those in the often-unseen population in private situations. The overarching goal of Steve’s work is to facilitate change in both policy and legislation that will benefit chimpanzees in captivity and their conservation in the wild. Steve’s breadth of knowledge brought him to the attention of the Lincoln Park Zoo and the designing of their new ape habitat, and culminated in 2009 in the LPZ’s Project ChimpCare.