04/25/2022
Project ChimpCARE is devastated to share the news of the passing of Dr. Steve Ross. Steve founded Project ChimpCARE in 2009 and conducted the first full scale census of all chimpanzees living in the United States. He tirelessly advocated for the welfare of chimpanzees and facilitated the rehoming of dozens of chimpanzees from private ownership to accredited zoos and sanctuaries. We will all miss him deeply.
Lincoln Park Zoo is devastated by the sudden passing of beloved colleague, friend, scientist, and tireless advocate for wildlife, Dr. Steve Ross. One of the world’s leading experts on chimpanzees and apes, Steve served as director of the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes since 2012, advancing the science of primatology and elevating the standards of animal welfare and care for chimpanzees.
Steve Ross’ career at Lincoln Park Zoo began in 2000. During his life, he helped rescue and secure safe homes for countless chimps inappropriately housed in unaccredited institutions and/or as pets. He oversaw the zoo’s efforts to conserve chimpanzees and gorillas in the Republic of Congo. He conducted hundreds of studies and published widely on a vast range of species, but his primary focus was protecting chimpanzees, both in the wild and in accredited zoos and sanctuaries. Among his many accomplishments, through Project ChimpCARE Steve conducted advocacy to ensure all chimpanzees - those in the wild and in captivity - would be included on the Endangered Species List, effectively ending the chimpanzee pet trade. His research has also helped the global zoo community better understand how use of chimpanzees and other wild animals in entertainment can negatively affect their welfare and conservation outcomes. Steve's behavioral research also took tangible form at Lincoln Park Zoo as it led to the design of the zoo's award-winning Regenstein Center for African Apes.
Steve’s devotion to his work and his compassion for animals was immeasurable and invaluable. He leaves behind a loving family, countless friends and colleagues across the world, the animals he came to love and admire, and a large body of research that has done so much to protect some of the world’s most intelligent and fascinating creatures. He will be greatly missed by all of us.
For those that would like to make a tribute gift in Steve's honor, the family requests that donations are made to Chimp Haven, the Louisiana chimpanzee sanctuary he so loved, or the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes, to ensure Steve’s important work can continue at Lincoln Park Zoo. Donations to the Fisher Center can be made via the Lincoln Park Zoo website, with specification of Fisher Center/Dr. Steve Ross in the tribute section.
Chimp Haven: chimphaven.org/honor
