Orangutan Expert Leif Cocks Discusses His Book 'Finding Our Humanity' At Library - 27 East

Arts & Living

Arts & Living / 1326929

Orangutan Expert Leif Cocks Discusses His Book 'Finding Our Humanity' At Library

icon 1 Photo

authorStaff Writer on Jun 27, 2019

In 1998, Leif Cocks, a world-renowned orangutan expert, established The Orangutan Project with a mission to ensure that endangered wild orangutan species would be protected against extinction and continue to live in secure populations for generations to come. On Tuesday, July 9, at 7 p.m., Mr. Cocks will be at the Rogers Memorial Library to discuss his book, “Finding Our Humanity.”

In “Finding Our Humanity,” he shares his uncommon journey into what the great apes teach us about our own humanity. With insights on the evolution of the ape-human mind and our shared natural and cultural histories, Mr. Cocks reflects on how we can deepen our understanding of what it means to be truly human and how we can change the way we think and act in the world.

Mr. Cocks has been a key player in developing conservation plans for orangutans and creating plans that enhance their chances of survival. This includes the first ever successful reintroduction of the zoo-born orangutan. A small population biologist and curator by trade, he has published several papers on orangutans in peer-reviewed journals. He is the author of the books “Orangutans and their Battle for Survival” (2002) and, “Orangutans My Cousins, My Friends—A journey to understand and save the person of the forest” (2016).

The Orangutan Project supports a wide range of critical projects that address the problem facing orangutans, including rescue, rehabilitation and release programs, as well as forest habitat protection and regeneration; and education, and research. Partnering with local communities, conservation projects have operated in Borneo and Sumatra. The organization is also responsible for establishing the most successful breeding colony of orangutans in the world.

For reservations or more information on the event, visit myrml.org or call 631-283-0774 ext. 523.

You May Also Like:

Tom Clavin Presents ‘Running Deep’ at John Jermain Library in Sag Harbor

Bestselling author Tom Clavin will present his latest book, “Running Deep: Bravery, Survival, and the ... 16 Oct 2025 by Staff Writer

Met Opera’s ‘La Sonnambula’ Live in HD at Guild Hall October 18

The Metropolitan Opera’s award-winning Live in HD series returns to Guild Hall on Saturday, October 18, with a transmission of Bellini’s “La Sonnambula” from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Soprano Nadine Sierra stars as Amina in this new production by Rolando Villazón, set in the Swiss Alps and designed to delve into the emotional and psychological landscape of Bellini’s poignant opera about love, betrayal, and redemption. Tenor Xabier Anduaga co-stars as Elvino, Amina’s fiancé, alongside soprano Sydney Mancasola as her rival, Lisa, and bass Alexander Vinogradov as Count Rodolfo. Riccardo Frizza conducts. “La Sonnambula” follows Sierra’s acclaimed Live in HD performances ... 15 Oct 2025 by Staff Writer

'Artrageous’ Brings Interactive Art and Music Experience to The Suffolk

The Suffolk will present “Artrageous,” a one-of-a-kind interactive art and music experience, on Friday, October ... by Staff Writer

Grenning Gallery’s Autumn Show Captures Stillness Beyond Summer

The Grenning Gallery will host “In Light of Tumbleweeds: Autumn Group Show,” an exhibition featuring ... by Staff Writer

Gerson Leiber’s Bold Decade of Abstraction on View at The Leiber Collection

The Leiber Collection will present “Gerson Leiber: The Poetry of Geometry and Color,” an exhibition ... by Staff Writer

Dracula Reimagined: A Radio Play With Teeth Comes to SAC

This week, Center Stage at Southampton Arts Center opens its first production of the new ... 14 Oct 2025 by Annette Hinkle

‘Like No One,’ the Paintings of Michael McDowell

Ashawagh Hall presents “Like No One,” a solo exhibition featuring paintings by Michael McDowell, an ... by Staff Writer

‘The Worker’ Art Exhibition Goes on View on the North Fork

OLA of Eastern Long Island, in partnership with the North Fork Arts Center, will present “The Worker,” a new art exhibition honoring the humanity, dignity, diversity and resilience of workers across all communities. The exhibition opens with a public reception on Thursday, October 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the North Fork Arts Center and remains on view and available for purchase through November 13. The show features work by 26 artists in a range of mediums that spotlight the lived experiences of workers — particularly within the East End’s Latino and immigrant communities — whose contributions often go ... by Staff Writer

Woke Gone Wrong at HTC’s Season Opener: 'The Thanksgiving Play' Serves Up Laughs, Landmines and a Lesson in What Not To Do When Staging a Holiday Pageant

On Thursday, Hampton Theatre Company opens its 2025–26 season with “The Thanksgiving Play.” Written by ... by Staff Writer

The Joni Project Brings Joni Mitchell Tribute to Sag Harbor

The Joni Project, a tribute band celebrating the music of legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, will ... by Staff Writer