#182: Listen to This While You Monkey Around

My first experience with an orangutan was in the video game Donkey Kong 64. In the game, you can play as five different Kongs. I was most intrigued by Lanky Kong, an orangutan wearing a white shirt and blue overalls.

Lanky delighted me. He could play trombone, do a handstand and then walk like that for an entire level, inflate himself like a balloon, and turn into a swordfish.

Though they might have a different skill set, it turns out real-life orangutans are just as impressive as Lanky. And today’s guest is working to keep them safe.

Leif Cocks is the founder of The Orangutan Project. He’s developed conservation plans for orangutans and influenced positive change for orangutan protection and survival, including the first successful reintroduction of the zoo-born orangutan. Leif also educates people on the positive impacts orangutans have on forests and climate change.

We’re talking about Leif’s first meeting with an orangutan, how he helps give them a second chance at life, and his favorite singer/songwriters.

Highlights of our conversation

• Leif’s first experience meeting orangutans in person and why knowing nothing about them was beneficial. (2:18)

• Why universal love for all living beings is the only way to make progress. (4:13)

• Some of Leif’s most memorable work in rescuing and rehabilitating orangutans and what it’s like reintroducing them back into the wild. (6:12)

• The fight against deforestation and why the next decade is the most important one in the history of humanity. (9:46)

• How people can help. (13:08)

• Why protecting the orangutans will positively impact climate change and what The Orangutan Project is doing as we head into a new year. (14:44)

• Leif’s top three singer/songwriters. (17:48)

Where to find Leif Cocks

Adopt an orangutan or sponsor a patch of rainforest at The Orangutan Project.

Learn more about Leif Cocks.