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| With the Bohnett Foundation technology grant, Trust scientists will purchase a portable computer and begin research with Allie, who has some physcial challenges. |
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| The funds will purchase a high-speed CPU for the analysis and storage of bonobo vocalizations. |
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David Bohnett Foundation supports bonobo and orangutan research.
Des Moines, Iowa – December 19 2006 – Great Ape Trust of Iowa has received a $25,000 technology grant from the David Bohnett Foundation for the support of vocalization studies of bonobos and research with orangutans involving numerical competency and counting. The funds will be used to purchase a high-speed, high-capacity, central processing unit (CPU) for the analysis and storage of bonobo vocalizations; software development for numerical competency research, initial development of a vending machine that will be incorporated into the number and counting studies, and a Toughbook portable computer for Allie, an adolescent orangutan.
“This award will allow us to make significant progress on two research projects using technology to help scientists reveal the cognitive capacities of our ape collaborators,” said Dr. Karyl Swartz, the Great Ape Trust resident scientist who wrote the proposal to the Bohnett Foundation. “With the Toughbook computer, we will be able to begin research with Allie, who has some physical challenges. The laptop computer will allow her to demonstrate her cognitive abilities in a setting that is comfortable for her.”
The David Bohnett Foundation, based in Los Angeles, CA provides funding, state-of-the-art technology and technical support to innovative organizations and institutions that share its vision of improving society through social activism. To learn more, go to www.bohnettfoundation.org.
Great Ape Trust Background
When completed, Great Ape Trust will be the largest great ape facility in North America and one of the first worldwide to include all four types of great ape – bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans – for noninvasive interdisciplinary studies of their cognitive and communicative capabilities.
Great Ape Trust is dedicated to providing sanctuary and an honorable life for great apes, studying the intelligence of great apes, advancing conservation of great apes and providing unique educational experiences about great apes. Great Ape Trust of Iowa is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization and is certified by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA). |
Great Ape Trust is certified by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums
