FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 27, 2004

CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119, lisa.lacher@drake.edu

PRIMATE EXPERT TO SPEAK AT DRAKE MARCH 5

Robert W. Shumaker, a senior scientist at the Iowa Primate Learning Sanctuary in Des Moines, will discuss his research on Friday, March 5, at Drake University. His talk, which is free and open to the public, is titled "Quantity Judgment by Orangutans." The presentation will start at 3 p.m. in room 101 of Olin Hall, 27th Street and Forest Avenue.

Shumaker holds a Ph.D. in biology from George Mason University and is a noted researcher on great apes, especially regarding their cognitive abilities.

The Iowa Primate Learning Sanctuary is a new multimillion-dollar research facility under construction on 200 acres just a few miles southeast of Des Moines. Already, the IPLS has attracted some of the top primate research scientists in the world. It is a non-profit organization devoted to non-invasive studies of the cognition, behavioral ecology, and conservation of primates. Ted Townsend, a well-known Des Moines businessman, founded the IPLS. Construction of the facility is expected to be completed later this year or next. Eventually, the facility will house chimps, orangutans, and gorillas. Further information can be obtained at www.iowagreatapes.org.

Shumaker's speech is sponsored by Drake's Psychology Department and Biology Department. For more information, call (515) 271-2876.