Kindred: Exploring the Inner Lives of Chimpanzees and Protecting the Future We Share

"Cronin’s expertise and storytelling draw readers into the worlds of chimpanzees to reveal their intelligence, resilience, and humor with warmth and insight. This important book is both inspiring and profoundly relevant.” --Jane Goodall

A leading primatologist shines a light on the contemporary conservation movement and what humans can do to protect all creatures, with awe-inspiring stories of resilience in the fascinating world of chimpanzees.

Dr. Cronin introduces readers to over a dozen chimpanzees and, in the process, shows that these creatures are not cartoons or stand-ins for humans, they are wild animals, uniquely themselves. Readers meet Chiffon, a former pet determined to be among humans, and Masya, a mother mourning her infant and revealing the emotional depth of our primate cousins. Chapter by chapter, the reader’s connection with chimpanzees, and recognition of themselves, builds, until they feel they are hearing stories of their own family. With precision and inspiration, Dr. Cronin shares the heartwarming, resilient way of chimpanzees, bringing people along to African sanctuaries, American zoos, defunct labs, and Hollywood sets as the stories of the chimpanzees create a narrative that builds compassion, one story at a time. As scientists, policymakers, and the public reckon with our relationship with nature and the planet, Kindred shows us that knowing these apes can change our perspective and offers a roadmap for humans to advocate for and support our chimpanzee relatives.