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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: Social Sciences
Status: Child Development
BeginnerCourse16 hours

Featured reviews

JM

5.0Reviewed May 17, 2020

I absolutely enjoyed this course. I learned so much about chimpanzee behavior

TK

4.0Reviewed May 18, 2020

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

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.

JS

4.0Reviewed Jan 11, 2020

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

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.

OG

5.0Reviewed Sep 22, 2025

Everything that I needed to know for my work I learned from this course. It made it so much better for myself. thank you very much

FL

5.0Reviewed Sep 24, 2019

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

AS

5.0Reviewed Oct 10, 2020

This course taught me so much about chimpanzees in a very interesting way. There were also a lot of resources, and the professors were so informative!

GG

4.0Reviewed Jul 3, 2020

The course on chimpanzee behaviour and conservation was great learning and worth knowing chimpanzees behaviour and what to avoid in order of conservation.

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.

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!

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 87

Jessica Khuu
5.0
Reviewed Jul 29, 2019
Petra Friedrich
5.0
Reviewed Aug 20, 2019
KateLyn Miller
5.0
Reviewed May 13, 2019
Joseph Baumstarck, Jr.
5.0
Reviewed Apr 11, 2019
Sophie Winter
5.0
Reviewed Sep 8, 2019
Christine Cayouette
5.0
Reviewed Sep 10, 2019
Tiffany James
5.0
Reviewed May 22, 2019
John Clouthier
5.0
Reviewed Apr 29, 2019
TATIANA VIRGINIA RODRIGUEZ HUARCAYA
5.0
Reviewed May 8, 2019
marly unello rosinha
5.0
Reviewed Mar 21, 2019
Editha Stephens
5.0
Reviewed Nov 12, 2020
Abby Lynch
5.0
Reviewed May 31, 2020
Skye
5.0
Reviewed Feb 19, 2021
Emily Travis
5.0
Reviewed Aug 18, 2020
Lynn Hart
5.0
Reviewed Feb 3, 2021
jessii parham
5.0
Reviewed May 7, 2020
Kylee Stobb
5.0
Reviewed Jun 7, 2020
Alfredo Maranca
5.0
Reviewed Jun 9, 2022
Petra Lange
5.0
Reviewed Apr 26, 2021
Snigdhodeep Mukherjee
5.0
Reviewed May 8, 2020