Charlotte Uhlenbroek studied joint honours Zoology/ Psychology at Bristol University. After gaining a degree she worked at various charities as a volunteer, learning as much as possible about animal welfare and conservation. Charlotte was passionate about primates but particularly interested in working with chimpanzees. Keeping an ear to the ground, she finally heard of an opening at the Jane Goodall Institute in Birundi. Once there she devoted her time to setting up a rehabilitation centre for orphaned chimpanzees. Many of the orphans Charlotte worked with were victims of Africa's bush meat trade, their mothers having been shot for food while they were sold as pets or to research laboratories.

Her work then took her to Gombe where she helped habituate the Northern Community of chimpanzees. The aim of this project was to develop a trust between the chimpanzees and the researchers so that the researchers could observe them safely and keep an eye on their well being.

Charlotte then embarked on her PhD in Gombe where she studied chimpanzee communication. She specialised in chimpanzee long distance calls (pant hoots). The experiences she gained in Gombe was like no other. As much as the research was very rewarding, living in the wild was far from glamorous. There were plenty of insects to cope with and Charlotte herself was badly bitten by a scorpion. Malaria is probably the biggest problem for the researchers in Gombe. In the wet season mosquitoes are prevalent in huge numbers - particularly at dawn and dusk. Charlotte has caught malaria so often that at times it has confined her to bed as often as once a month. At times like this, you realise home is a million miles away.

On completing her PhD, she stayed in Gombe. Her career moved into television, but by coincidence more than anything else. She became a scientific advisor for both the BBC and National Geographic and came to work for the BBC Natural History Unit shortly after completing a series called, Dawn to Dusk with Jonathan Scott. Chimpanzee Diary was created by Executive Producer, Robin Hellier at the BBC Natural History Unit. Robin wanted Charlotte to present it. Her in-depth understanding of chimpanzees coupled with her natural charm made her the perfect candidate, and now, two series on, she has established herself as a popular presenter.

Charlotte Uhlenbroek completed  Cousins, the definitive guide to primates.  Cousins was transmitted on BBC 1 in August 2000.  You can buy the video by clicking on the video cover.