They are our closest relatives--and this large-scale, eye-opening book,
with a preface by the world's most esteemed expert on the subject, opens
a window onto the endlessly engrossing, sometimes dangerous, and often
entertaining world of chimpanzees. This particular group lives in the
forests and rolling hills of Mahale, a protected national park,
accessible only by air or ferry, that runs 100 miles along the shore of
Lake Tanganyika. For more than 15 years, Dr. Michael Huffman has devoted
his life to studying this community, watching the families' interaction
with each other and charting a range of fascinating behaviors never
seen before in other chimps, from a grooming hand clasp to licking
pebbles on the beach. He now guides a top photographer and biologist on a
safari through this territory, where they-and we-can encounter chimps
first-hand. The three combine to produce a remarkable "chimp portrait"
that's an unprecedented mixture of science, art, and poetry. Aided by
haikus, magnificent photographs, and charcoal drawings, Dr. Huffman
chronicles the intricacies of chimp life and relationships, and the
mortal danger they face from poachers. Among the cast of unforgettable
characters you'll meet: Masudi, a low-ranking male who stays safely near
humans during tense moments in the chimp tribe; his mother, Wantendle;
and the protective, caring female Gwekulo among them. Here they are,
staring out with their intelligent gazes; hugging each other, tending
lovingly to their babies; snuggling into branches heavy with fruit; and
swinging playfully from tree to tree. Our affinity for these mammals was
celebrated in Dian Fossey's best seller, Gorillas in the Mist; Mahale will ensure they will stay forever in our mind--and spur us to help preserve the species for generations to come.
"In
this wonderful traveller's journal...Angelika Hofer's expressive
narration even enables us to hear the sounds of the jungle and Günter
Ziesler's splendid photographs let us sense the mysterious light of the
African jungle by Lake Tanganyika even from afar...Dr. Michael A.
Huffman...describes isolated details from the lives of the chimpanzees.
This all combines to produce a rousing adventure and a better
understanding of our nearest relatives. This book should also encourage
the reader to participate in the effort to ensure the survival of our
severely threatened cousins."--Dr. Jane Goodall.