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Matthew Sweet discusses the ways we can think about our close association with primates

In a series broadcast from ZSL London Zoo, Matthew Sweet discusses the ways we can think about our close association with primates: biologically, conceptually and culturally.

In the last of Matthew Sweet's visits to ZSL London Zoo we consider our relations with our closest animal relatives - apes.

Daniel Simmonds, Keeper at ZSL London Zoo's Gorilla Kingdom, discusses the problems that come with looking after creatures so similar to but different from us. Unlike most other animals gorillas will integrate their keepers into their social structures. But how do you manage such a relationship with a social creature that can't understand what you say? Is any kind of mutual understanding possible at all?

Matthew picks up the theme with anatomist and anthropologist Alice Roberts, physician and philosopher Raymond Tallis and novelist James Lever. All three have dealt with the questions thrown up by human/primate relations in different ways. So what happens when you stare into the eyes of an ape?

Producer: Luke Mulhall.

Available now

45 minutes

Last on

Thu 10 Oct 2013 22:00

Chapters

  • Ruth Padel

    Ruth Padel discusses Darwin's first encounter with Jenny the orangutan at London Zoo

    Duration: 01:59

  • Daniel Simmonds

    Daniel discusses the problems that come with looking after creatures so similar to us

    Duration: 17:49

  • Human / Primate Relations

    Matthew picks up the theme with Alice Roberts, Raymond Tallis and James Lever

    Duration: 22:24

Alice Roberts

Alice Roberts

Dr Alice Roberts at the Centre for Comparative and Clinical Anatomy, University of Bristol.

Daniel Simmonds

Daniel Simmonds

Daniel Simmonds, head keeper听at London Zoo's Gorilla Kingdom.

Image Credit: ZSL London Loo

Raymond Tallis

Raymond Tallis

Squirrel Monkey

Squirrel Monkey

A Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri) photographed at London Zoo.

Image Credit: ZSL London Zoo

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Matthew Sweet
Interviewed Guest Raymond Tallis
Interviewed Guest Alice Roberts
Interviewed Guest James Lever
Interviewed Guest Daniel Simmonds

Broadcast

  • Thu 10 Oct 2013 22:00

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