Chimpanzee Experts Gather at L A Zoo for Conference

Renowned environmentalist and primate expert Dr. Jane Goodall, together with some of the nation's leading experts on chimpanzee study and protection, will gather in Los Angeles for a three-day conference beginning Sept. 29.

With a focus on "War of the Worlds: Chimpanzee Protection vs. Chimpanzee Exploitation," The 2006 ChimpanZoo Conference will take place at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens from Friday, Sept. 29 through Sunday, Oct. 1 and feature speakers, panels and papers on issues involving the protection and humane study of primates throughout the world.

Founded in 1984 as part of the Jane Goodall Institute, ChimpanZoo is an international research program dedicated to the study of chimpanzees in zoos and other captive settings.

While most ChimpanZoo conference attendees are members of the academic and zoological communities, individuals with an interest in chimpanzee behavior research and animal welfare and protection are also invited to attend with advance registration.

Oct. 1, the final day of the ChimpanZoo conference, is also "Ape Awareness Day" at the Los Angeles Zoo with educational displays, hands-on activities, animal talks and art projects taking place between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. This individual event is open to the public with paid Zoo admission.

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Children's Discovery Center, Witherbee Auditorium, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles.