Filmmaking and the scientific community?
People were skeptical. No one would believe us about chimp tool-making until they saw it.
Your favourite fictional description of a relationship between humans and animals.
I loved Mowgli, Dr Doolittle and Tarzan.
What’s your favourite characteristic that chimps share with humans?
Affectionate family bonds. There are good and bad mothers. Bad mothers raise kids who have difficulty forming relationships, just like the human problems of child-raising.
Is there a least favourite characteristic?
Yes, war. Violence, brutality—they have a dark side just as humans do. But ours is worse because our capabilities are superior.
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So, what makes us different?
Only humans are capable of evil. But we’re also capable of the highest flights of altruism.
How has your work changed the study of animal behaviour?
When I began, it was thought only humans had personalities, minds and feelings—you couldn’t say they existed in animals, but now you can.
Are you still involved in research?
No, I’m too busy with fund-raising, conservation education and the Roots & Shoots campaign for children’s awareness.
Then you must miss working more immediately with chimps.
I don’t really have time to miss it! Anyway, you have to leave what you love to save it.
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Are you visiting any Indian sanctuaries?
No, But I want to see a tiger, so I suppose it had better be soon.
