A trackhoe operator from GradeWorks Inc. razes administrative buildings, which were submerged in floodwaters earlier this summer. As recovery from the floods continues, planned teacher workshops have been postponed. Great Ape Trust photo.

Des Moines, Iowa – August 27, 2008 – Great Ape Trust of Iowa has postponed its planned series of workshops for 100 Iowa science teachers as work continues to return to normal business operations after June flooding.

Great Ape Trust is seeking input from teachers in further defining Great Ape Academy, the scientific research institute’s pilot education program for students in grades K-12. Read more about the workshops here.

Given the enthusiasm among teachers signing up for the workshops and tours, the decision to delay the sessions until spring 2009 or later was difficult but necessary to ensure a high-quality experience for all involved, said Operations Director Jim Aipperspach.

Because of the significant flooding in June, Great Ape Trust was also forced to cancel both member tours and student tours for the remainder of the year.

For additional information, e-mail Communications Editor Beth Dalbey at bdalbey@GreatApeTrust.org. Updates will be posted at www.GreatApeTrust.org.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Great Ape Trust of Iowa is a scientific research facility in southeast Des Moines dedicated to understanding the origins and future of culture, language, tools and intelligence. When completed, Great Ape Trust will be the largest great ape facility in North America and one of the first worldwide to include all four types of great ape – bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans – for noninvasive interdisciplinary studies of their cognitive and communicative capabilities.

Great Ape Trust is dedicated to providing sanctuary and an honorable life for great apes, studying the intelligence of great apes, advancing conservation of great apes and providing unique educational experiences about great apes. Great Ape Trust of Iowa is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization and is certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).