Hello, this is your host, Dr. Jones.  Thank you for joining me.  I have a real treat for you today.  Just a couple of episodes back, I commented on the fact that a prominent conservationist and life-long rainforest expert, and president of Conservation International, commented online about the importance of the influence of Tarzan in his choice of career. His name is Dr. Russ Mittermeier. 

Said  Dr. Mittermeier, on his blog, "…far more important than the impact of the Tarzan legend  on my life has been its major role in bringing “the jungle” — now known more correctly as “the tropical rainforest” — to the attention of the world.  In many ways, Tarzan was the first rainforest conservationist — protecting the forest and its animals against hunters, trappers and other forms of exploitation from the outside world. He was truly a man ahead of his time. ""For myself and many of my peers, Burroughs’ works have provided so much more than entertainment; they have inspired careers that have  helped to shape the modern conservation movement. "  "…these stories were an inspiration to many people in the middle of the 20th century who went into rainforest research and conservation as a profession…"

Well, when Dr. Mittermeier heard we were talking about him on Jungle Deep, and were seeking his audience, he wanted to join in.  Of course he did!  If I may say so, as a primatologist - that's an expert on monkeys and apes- Dr. Mittermeier knows that the jungle is not only important, but it's FUN, too!  So just hours before boarding a plane bound for India, he graciously took time to join us here on Jungle Deep.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: ken@petliferadio.com

Tweet