Up Close and Personal with Shawn Thompson, Author of “The Intimate Ape”

PETS Magazine caught up with Shawn Thomson during his recent visit to Singapore.

“Feeling hopeless is not a reason for not doing something”

What inspired you to embark on this journey to write this book?

I was previously a journalist for 17 years. During the mid 1990s, there was a recession. I thought perhaps I ought to try something different, and do more book work. I discovered that there is less popular culture on orang-utans as compared to chimpanzees and gorillas. Through database searches, I found that there were little information or knowledge about orang-utans even though they are closest to extinction. It was something I had to write about because it hasn’t been written before. It was definitely a good cause and an opportunity for me to make a difference.

Has this book changed you?

Yes, it definitely has. When I started this book, I was already fifty. It is at this point where you view things differently. Some people would rather go on holidays and relax. But I knew it was important for me to have a purpose in life.

So I told myself, since I’m not getting any younger, I should do something meaningful. Writing this book has made me care more about orang-utans. Time changes you. Sadly, I’ve become more cynical towards human beings because I see how we are destroying our planet. By the time we realise this, it will be too late. I feel a sense of hopelessness when I think about how our next generation will feel the impact of this crisis and there is no way we can reverse the damage done.

Why are orang-utans so special to you?

Well, for one, we can identify with them. You can understand orang-utans but you can’t understand wolves. They are so similar to us, human beings. The fact is, orang-utans are thinking, sensitive beings like us and they are close to extinction.

Once you start caring for orang-utans, you care for the rainforest and that will be the first step to help the environment. The book is where I define a creature that people can identify with.

Orang-utans are just like us. They have basic emotions, intelligence and the ability to do what we human beings can do. It is amazing to know that by learning how the creatures communicate, we’re learning about ourselves too.

Have you ever thought of joining conservation programs?

No, I don’t see myself doing conservation work. There are already many excellent people doing that. What I realised was missing is a good writer. There are many great scientists who devote their lives but there is no one to tell the world for them. That is where I come in – to be their communicator, to tell people a story. Every one of us is good at something and we are happiest when we can do what we are good at and be useful at that. Discovering what you are good at is an important part of your life.

How do your kids feel about what you are doing?

They have had some remarkable experiences. But honestly, they are living in the same world that everyone is living in. They love animals but they aren’t animal activists. However if there was a situation where choices have to be made, I am sure they would do the right thing.

What kind of attitude should the people today have if they want to make a difference?

It all comes down to the individual. I think it depends on the moral choices and the integrity that you have. Would you want to do something that makes a difference? Are you willing to sacrifice your material needs to save the rainforest?

You have to want to do what is right and take the initiative to learn more about other things. And that has to come from within. You need to have a sense of curiosity, learn to ask questions about yourself and not just wait for people to feed you information. This way, you’ll stop being passive.

What are your future plans?

I hope with The Intimate Ape, I can reach out to more people and create more awareness. If not for the book, I wouldn’t be able to go for interviews, attend TV shows and go on live radio. The Media is my means of reaching out to the masses. It is definitely going to be a challenge but I enjoy a challenge.

Currently, I’m working on a second book, touching on the communication between the great apes and people. It will focus on the four great apes – gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos and orang-utans.

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Catch Shawn Thompson blogging at Psychology Today: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-intimate-ape