Given that chimpanzees are humankind’s closest relatives, it only seems logical that they should merit our special respect. Yet these intelligent creatures—capable of making and using tools, having strong social and family bonds, and mirroring us in so many ways—seem to continuously suffer from our actions. Anthropocentrism has always been an enemy of chimpanzees, and sadly, because of it, chimpanzees have been deemed as “acceptable stand-ins” whenever we run into something we view as unethical to do to ourselves. Read more →

By Nancy Merrick On the steps of Gombe, 2008. Merrick is seated next to Goodall in the company of family and others. Fifty-five years ago today, young Jane Goodall arrived on the shores of Lake Tanganyika to begin the study... Read more →

This Earth Day, we at Beacon Press are featuring titles that showcase individuals and organizations taking a stand for our home and encourage readers to take the stand with them. Read more →

'Among Chimpanzees' is at once an inspiring chronicle of Nancy J. Merrick’s personal search to learn how chimps are faring across Africa and in captivity, a crucial eyewitness account of a very critical period in their existence, and a rousing call for us to join the efforts to be a voice for the chimpanzees, before it’s too late. Read more →

On the occasion of Jane Goodall's 80th birthday, chimpanzee conservationist Nancy Merrick shares some valuable lessons she learned from her years of working with Goodall. Read more →

Conservationist and chimpanzee advocate Nancy Merrick renews her sense of urgency and compassion with the help of the chimps at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Read more →