CHIMPS: SO LIKE US (TV)
Summary
A short documentary detailing the humanlike behavior of chimpanzees, as told by chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall.
Jane Goodall has spent thirty years observing chimpanzees in the wild. She had always dreamed of going to Africa ever since she was a small child. She recounts how initially, the chimpanzees she observed were afraid of her, but that they eventually came to trust her. She has studied several chimp families over the years, including the “Fifi” family, which she has observed since the 1960’s.
She discusses several aspects of chimpanzee life, such as the importance of grooming; chimpanzee voices and “language;” and the intense bond between a mother chimpanzee and her young. One chimpanzee in a group attains the position of “boss male;” as is the case with a chimpanzee Goodall has followed whom she calls Goblin. A brutal fight over a mate leaves Goblin seriously injured. Jane gives Goblin food and medicine to help him stay alive.
Chimpanzees have similar immune systems to human beings, so they are often used as test subjects. Chimpanzees in hospital cages are shown. Goodall argues for better treatment of captured chimpanzees, although she prefers that they not be captured at all. She cares for infant chimpanzees captured for experimentation. She remains determined to speak out as an advocate for chimpanzees.
Details
- NETWORK: HBO
- DATE: November 30, 1989
- RUNNING TIME: 0:29:55
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:24591
- GENRE: Public affairs/Documentaries
- SUBJECT HEADING: Public affairs/Documentaries; Science/Nature; Chimpanzees
- SERIES RUN: HBO - TV, 1990
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Karen Goodman … Producer, Director
- Kirk Simon … Producer, Director
- Carol Wilson … Associate Producer
- Brian Keane … Music by
- Jane Goodall … Narrator, Cast