 Des Moines, Iowa – January 29, 2007 – Great Ape Trust of Iowa has named Brian Eldridge building and grounds superintendent of the scientific research facility in southeast Des Moines.
Eldridge is responsible for the general maintenance of administrative buildings and research laboratories as well as project manager for landscaping and site development. Prior to Great Ape Trust, Eldridge was involved with the development and construction of Honey Creek Golf Course in Boone IA, Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines and Spirit Hollow Golf Course in Burlington, IA.
“Brian brings a wealth of experience to this position and greatly enhances the quality of life for our ape residents, scientists and visitors,” said Jim Aipperspach, director of operations. “Great Ape Trust is fortunate to have him as part of our team.”
A resident of Boone, Eldridge earned a Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture and turf grass management from Iowa State University. Through his golf course development as well as volunteer efforts with Pheasants Forever, Eldridge has been involved with prairie and habitat restoration on more than 2,500 acres throughout Iowa.
“I look forward to the opportunity to help restore Iowa wetlands and prairie on our 230 acre campus at Great Ape Trust,” said Eldridge. “We expect to begin those efforts this spring.”
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
