Gary and Inggriani Shapiro

Guest Lecturer Gary L. Shapiro, Ph.D., and Inggriani Shapiro, M.HR.

Dr. Gary L. Shapiro is a distinguished expert in orangutan conservation with over 50 years of experience. His pioneering work at Tanjung Puting National Park, Borneo, from 1978 to 1981, involved teaching sign language to ex-captive orangutans in their natural habitat. Among his students was Princess, a juvenile orphaned orangutan who adopted Gary as her father. He successfully taught Princess over 30 signs, which she used to express her needs, describe her environment, and communicate her interests. Princess was also part of a group of four orangutans in a sign language study, forming the basis of Gary’s groundbreaking dissertation, which significantly advanced the understanding of orangutan intelligence and behavior. His research was featured in National Geographic (June 1980) and various documentaries, including “Kusasi from Orphan to King” and “Princess, the Orangutan.”

During this period, Gary served as vice director of the Orangutan Research and Conservation Project at Camp Leakey. In this role, he managed the camp, assisted in the rehabilitation of dozens of orangutans rescued from the illegal pet trade, and monitored the local rainforest ecosystem. In 1985, he earned his Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Oklahoma (USA) and conducted post-doctoral research on the freshwater ecology of the Sekonyer River in Tanjung Puting National Park. This research extended from his work with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (1982-1985). He also spent nearly 27 years with the state of California as an emergency planner, environmental scientist, and emergency responder (1988-2014).

After receiving his Ph.D., Gary co-founded the Orangutan Foundation International (OFI), the world’s first orangutan advocacy group, and served as its Vice President from 1985 to 2004. He also authored or co-authored numerous papers on orangutan linguistics, cognition, conservation, and ethics. As OFI Chairman, he led the 2nd and 3rd International Great Ape Conferences, held in Indonesia (1991) and Malaysia (1998), advancing global efforts in great ape conservation.

In 2004, Gary and his wife, Inggriani, founded the Orang Utan Republik Education Initiative, which later became the Orang Utan Republik Foundation (OURF). Through OURF, they have supported the education of Indonesian conservationists and helped develop future leaders in environmental preservation. They have also hosted ecotours in Sumatra and Borneo for over two decades, sharing their knowledge and commitment to wildlife conservation. Dr. Shapiro’s book, “Out of the Cage,” scheduled for release in October 2024, details his journey with orangutans and highlights the need for their conservation.

Inggriani Shapiro is a dedicated yoga teacher and holistic wellness practitioner, passionate about guiding others toward balance and vitality. She holds a Yoga Therapy certification from Loyola Marymount University with a YTRx 900-hour credential and is a certified Meditation Teacher from Bali Usada TB3. Inggriani’s holistic journey began with Reiki training and a 700-hour certification as a massage therapist, deepening her understanding of energy work.

Born and raised in Surabaya, Indonesia, Inggriani earned her master’s degree in human relations from the University of Oklahoma. Her holistic approach to wellness is deeply influenced by her passion for gardening and nature walks. Since 2015, she has been a dedicated volunteer yoga instructor at the Cancer Support Community Los Angeles, offering therapeutic yoga classes to both cancer survivors and those undergoing treatment, fostering ongoing wellness and self-care. She also holds regular online (Zoom) yoga therapy classes specifically promoting lymphatic and respiratory health.

Inggriani’s classes seamlessly integrate therapeutic techniques, meditation, and mindful movement, all aimed at nurturing both body and mind. She believes that true wellness encompasses not just physical health but also emotional and mental well-being. Outside of teaching, Inggriani enjoys baking healthy treats like cookies and banana bread, which she generously shares with her students, friends, and neighbors.

Gary and Inggriani, fluent in Indonesian, split their time between Bali and Los Angeles. With extensive knowledge of the Indonesian region, they offer cruise ship guests a unique experience by blending wildlife expertise with holistic wellness practices, creating a inspirational journey for all.

Join Gary and Inggriani on a Coral Expeditions voyage with Adventure Made Easy – Included 2 hour charter flights hosted by our staff

 ‘Into the Wilds of Borneo‘ and ‘In the Wake of the Makassans‘.

These voyages contain Special Travel Credits of $2,000 per person when you book with the code: ATLAS24

Applicable for new twin share bookings. Not combinable with any other offer, including Xplorers Club. Not available for sole travellers. Applicable on Promenade Deck Staterooms and above.