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Duke University

Chimpanzee Behavior and Conservation

Chimpanzees are one of our closest living relatives, yet almost nothing was known about their behavior in the wild until Jane Goodall started her groundbreaking study of the chimpanzees of Gombe, Tanzania in 1960. This study continues today, following the same chimpanzee families that Jane Goodall first encountered over 55 years ago. Guided by three course instructors who have lived and worked with the Gombe chimpanzees, you will learn how Goodall’s early discoveries changed our view of human uniqueness. By completing the course, you will gain a new appreciation of the deep similarities between chimpanzees and humans in intelligence, tool use, hunting, personality and social relationships, as well as some key differences. You will learn how chimpanzees interact with their environment and how their behavior is influenced by ecology, as well as the severe conservation challenges they face today. And you will employ your new knowledge of chimpanzees to construct a persuasive argument for their protection. This course is open to everyone interested in learning more about these fascinating and complex beings. Knowledge of high-school level biology is beneficial but not required. Please keep in mind, however, that the content of this course will cover all aspects of chimpanzee life, including scientific discussion of sexual and aggressive behaviors.

Status: Research Methodologies
Status: Data Collection
BeginnerCourse16 hours

Featured reviews

TK

4.0Reviewed May 18, 2020

The course was short, fun, and enjoyable for those looking to further their primate knowledge :)

SN

5.0Reviewed Oct 12, 2025

I love this course for how the modules have been set up. They are simple, enjoyable and yet challenging! More than anything, they are truly inspirational!

JS

4.0Reviewed Jan 11, 2020

This is a nice course. Good to know all about chimps and the ongoing work with them.

JJ

5.0Reviewed Apr 10, 2019

A very interesting overview of chimpanzee behavior, ecology, and preservation. This course makes you want to go to Africa and spend at least some time working with chimpanzee studies.

MP

5.0Reviewed Feb 20, 2021

I acquired a wealth of knowledge from this course. It was well written and presented.

LF

5.0Reviewed May 3, 2020

This was a really great course! Gave a detailed overview of the ecology, behaviour and conservation of the gombe chimpanzees. Would recommend!!

AK

5.0Reviewed May 8, 2020

I knew some about chimpanzees, but this just furthered my love and knowledge even more. The course was clear and easy to follow. You get what you put into the course, so take the take and learn!

FL

5.0Reviewed Sep 24, 2019

Really well put together, lots of fascinating insights into our fellow primates - highly recommended!

MH

5.0Reviewed Aug 24, 2020

Loved this course. Very informative and easy to take in. Video lengths were great so they kept your attention. Also enjoyed the final assessment too.

TJ

5.0Reviewed May 22, 2019

This course was so interesting and helpful! I really hope more courses like this are designed for the other great ape species!!!

JK

5.0Reviewed Jul 28, 2019

Whether you're a zookeeper, anthropologist, or simply a great ape enthusiast, this course is great for learning about and/or furthering your knowledge about chimpanzees.

HW

5.0Reviewed Jul 11, 2022

This course was pretty fun, and I learned a lot! Overall, this course taught everything that it promised to in an engaging and entertaining way.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 87

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5.0
Reviewed Jul 29, 2019
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