Founder and world-renowned orangutan expert, Leif Cocks, has had a 30-year career working with orangutans. He is a passionate campaigner for orangutans and has been the President of The Orangutan Project since its inception.

Leif’s years in the field have earned him respect within the conservation field. He has been a key player in developing conservation plans for orangutans and influencing positive change for orangutan protection and survival. This includes the first ever successful reintroduction of the zoo-born orangutan. This respect has given The Orangutan Project world standing in conservation.

A small population biologist and curator by trade; Leif has several academic qualifications, including a Masters of Science studying orangutans. He lectures at universities, is a seasoned public speaker and has published several papers on orangutans in peer-reviewed journals. Leif is also the author of the books Orangutans and their Battle for Survival (2002) and, Amazon best seller, Orangutans My Cousins, My Friends (2016) – A journey to understand and save the person of the forest.

We are honoured to have Leif join us for Quantum Words Perth where he will be discussing Orangutans My Cousins, My Friends in conversation with Meri Fatin.