Eating Apes

California Studies in Food and Culture #6

by Dale Peterson, Janet K. Museveni (Foreword), Karl Ammann (Photographer)

Eating Apes is an eloquent book about a disturbing the looming extinction of humanity's closest relatives, the African great apes―chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas. Dale Peterson's impassioned exposé details how, with the unprecedented opening of African forests by European and Asian logging companies, the traditional consumption of wild animal meat in Central Africa has suddenly exploded in scope and impact, moving from what was recently a subsistence activity to an enormous and completely unsustainable commercial enterprise. Although the three African great apes account for only about one percent of the commercial bush meat trade, today's rate of slaughter could bring about their extinction in the next few decades. Supported by compelling color photographs by award-winning photographer Karl Ammann, Eating Apes documents the when, where, how, and why of this rapidly accelerating disaster.

Eating Apes persuasively argues that the American conservation media have failed to report the ongoing collapse of the ape population. In bringing the facts of this crisis and these impending extinctions into a single, accessible book, Peterson takes us one step closer to averting one of the most disturbing threats to our closest relatives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Anthropology, Africa, Nature, Food, Science

348 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think you've read some grim books? Not until you've read this one you haven't. Here we learn the definition of "humanity": predator. Here is crossroads where meat-hunger, corruption, industrial logging and high-tech industry collide. We have met the enemy and he is ALL of us.

[Bonobro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a massive effing bummer, but in my opinion, important to be familiar with. It explains numerous ways in which international business, coupled with politics (corrupt, preoccupied or willfully ignorant) affect seemingly unrelated issues, such as the bush meat trade in sub-saharan africa.

[Emily Goodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about receiving an education on the reality of conservation biology in our world-particularly in consideration of our closest ancestors, the Apes. This book reveals a reality that most westerners are very removed from and ultimately is something that needs to be talked about on a much bigger platform. Thank you to the author and contributors of this book for opening my eyes to something that is truly so important.

[Clay W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard about this book after it was referenced in David Quammen's The Chimp and the River, referencing Peterson's work as a deeper dive into the bushmeat trade and what were some of the questions we should be asking ourselves when it comes to culture, genetically similar creatures, and the risks of zoonotics.

I was not disappointed. There are some very grim aspects, but I feel it is a very clean and clear cut narrative backed up with a lot of references, photographic proof, and many first hand accounts.

From SIVs and HIV, the woes of modern conservationism, how industries hide behind white washed good feeling projects that aren't solving anything, the ethics behind Western culture dictating African culture... there is a lot to unpack, and it leaves you with some soul searching of your own. I have a new understanding for the great apes, and feel so much better informed thanks to this read.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Necessary reading not only to understand the realities of the bushmeat trade, bleak as they may be, but examines the knot of neoliberal western imperialism, historic and future health crises, anthropological examinations of the great apes, and the numbing effects of western media, especially conservation media.

[Heather Herman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the depressing content, this is one of the best books I've read in a long time for its sheer balance. Well-researched and well-informed; detailed without overburdening; informative and educational while also eloquent and beautifully written. Peterson's style is sharp

[Maegan Leavendusky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tough, but must read!

[Mireille Goulet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have tremendously enjoyed this book and its format which turned an unpalatable topic into fascinating reading, and covered the sociological, environmental, human, moral and public health angles of the bushmeat crisis, its link with the logging industry and how conservation strategies are failing.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight on the bushmeat trade, all the factors that come into play, and what needs to be done to help. Not for the faint of heart as there are some pics and details on how apes are killed for meat.

[Doy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so enlightening, yet disturbing.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I urge everyone to read this book.