Des Moines Register
09-21-06
Great Ape Trust program to spur research at ISU
Founder Ted Townsend wants Iowa State and other colleges to study ape
communication.
By PERRY BEEMAN
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
Great Ape Trust of Iowa on Wednesday announced a $1.5 million educational
program that will encourage research at Iowa State University and other
schools.
Des Moines businessman Ted Townsend, founder of the Des Moines-based
primate research center, said the initiative could mean an endowed chair at ISU,
or perhaps other arrangements with that school, the University of Iowa, Drake
University, Grinnell College and others.
Townsend made the announcement after meeting with ISU President Gregory
Geoffrey. The trust also has worked closely with Drake, where trust scientists
have given presentations.
"We're investing this money to expose the science in a way that hasn't been
around before," Townsend said.
Iowa State was chosen initially because it is the closest school to the trust that
offers doctorate degrees in fields that come into play in ape cognitive,
communication and behavioral research, Townsend said.
"We are going to make Iowa the center of research in this astounding field," he
added.
While details are still gelling, Townsend announced that the program is
established in honor of primate research pioneer Duane Rumbaugh, an Iowa
native who joined the trust staff after decades of research at Georgia State
University. He was an early pioneer in the use of symbol boards in language
research with primates.
Rumbaugh was born in Maynard and also lived in Ackley and Battle Creek. His
psychology studies include a bachelor's degree from the University of Dubuque,
a master's degree from Kent State University a doctorate from the University of
Colorado.
Great Ape Trust is home to orangutans and bonobos, and plans to add gorillas
and chimpanzees later. The center is in southeast Des Moines, near Easter
Lake.