ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) — A world-renowned primatologist, zoologist, and conservationist died of natural causes at 91 years old on Wednesday. Dr. Jane Goodall is best known for shining a light on the intricate social behaviors and emotions of chimpanzees through decades worth of research. The impact behind these discoveries has been far-reaching, making ripples all the way to Albuquerque.
In the wake of Goodall’s passing, we spoke with the ABQ BioPark to learn exactly how she has had an influence on the way the zoo handles primates. “She came to speak in Albuquerque at least once, if not twice. One time, she came to the BioPark and she was able to interact with our chimpanzees just through the glass, like they were able to pick up her mannerisms,” says ABQ BioPark Associate Director Lynn Tupa. “It really gets us to look at what’s the best for our animals, and [ask] ‘how do we care for them throughout the day?’ Because they’re with us 24/7.”
That thought process has influenced the BioPark to carry out various improvements on its primates’ habitats. Exhibit enhancements, also referred to as “furniture,” aiming to give the animals a sense of agency, have been made over the years. One of those enhancements includes different climbing opportunities. This provides the primates with more control on which fellow animals they’re socializing with, or not socializing with, on any given day…