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by Ralph Helfer (Author)
My thoughts traverse the realm of understanding between humans and apes. Things which we once explored might perhaps need to be reopened to find a better way to communicate between man and animal. Many before us have tried to reach into the core of man/animal understanding. Few have succeeded. In my search for a 'Judy, ' I came to find out that apes, like people, were individuals. No two were alike. Also, no two had the same intellect. I reasoned that if there could be a breakthrough in communication, surely it leaves open the possibility that we can open a door into the inner recesses of the narrow intellect of the primitive mind.
This book was meant to be about the life of a chimpanzee who came from the jungles of Africa and her journey to the silver screen. But as I wrote the passage, it came to mind that the true experience was an adventure into the mind of this extraordinary ape. Her ability to live in the human world, to learn its many idiosyncrasies. Judy had the ability to live in both worlds and be comfortable. To learn from us humans and blend.
In the forty years that I have worked with primates, none has affected me as Judy did. How fortunate I have been to spend a portion of my life with this remarkable animal. She has been my mentor in the world of primates.
