Founder, Ted Townsend

Message From The Founder

What is the definition of a human being? How does a brain create a mind? What is language, how did it evolve, and is it uniquely human? How do children acquire language? How can enlightened rearing environments enhance learning? Great Ape Trust pursues insights to these profound questions through voluntary, non-invasive collaborations with apes.

Specifically, science at Great Ape Trust seeks to understand the origins and future of culture, language, tools, and intelligence. Along with many respected scientists from multiple disciplines, with a range of beliefs, opinions, and methodologies, The Trust blends sanctuary, research, and education into an institution of courage, vision, and longitudinal, cross-generational inquiry.

Fully committed to the scientific method, published results and peer review, building on a corpus of research begun at Georgia State’s Language Research Center, and utilizing the most advanced ape facilities on Earth, Great Ape Trust scientists explore the nebulous boundary between human and not-quite human. The information emerging from this work has the potential to revolutionize early-childhood education, reawaken humanity’s respect for the other life forms with whom we share this planet, and save from extinction our closest living relatives.

Like all leading edge research, some skepticism and even controversy are to be expected. When expressed in professional, thoughtful, unemotional fashion, we welcome the dialogue as a valuable part of the knowledge process. For those who have read the literature and met these apes, their potential to greatly contribute to human understanding is beyond question. Where the research will lead remains to be seen, but I am honored to help support their journey.

Ted Townsend

Founder Great Ape Trust