Supporters
We are deeply grateful to our supporters, whose valuable contribution has been essential to the realisation of this project and will continue to inspire new initiatives.
A University of Pisa and Addis Ababa University project studying how geladas make peace after conflict, and turning that science into classrooms for the children who share their highlands.
The Geladas & Bridges project is built upon three foundations that guide its vision and actions.
Advancing knowledge through scientific research, improving lives through a strong humanitarian mission, and creating meaningful relationships by connecting and supporting communities and people. "There are invisible bridges, yet they can connect distant worlds": the Bridges Project was born precisely from this desire.
Advancing knowledge on geladas and their environment through field studies, data analysis, and collaboration.
Read the science →Supporting local communities with sustainable initiatives that improve living conditions and foster resilience.
See the mission →Building bridges between science and society by creating networks, sharing knowledge, and encouraging cooperation.
Meet the network →Geladas are found nowhere else on Earth. Compared with their baboon cousins they display a far wider vocabulary of sounds, expressions and signals: evidence that communication sits at the very centre of how they keep the peace.
That makes them an extraordinary natural laboratory for questions that reach all the way back to us.
Read the scienceAn independent production created with passion by Alberto Alessi. "Science and social commitment find their true meaning when they become living stories, able to touch people, spark hope, and create the future."
The documentary was born from the desire to tell a story that combines science and social commitment. The research phase shaped the key questions and narrative vision, turning data and experiences into an accessible story.
The goal was to highlight the extensive filming and material collection carried out by the team in Ethiopia: a commitment that required creativity, coordination, and innovative solutions to turn footage into a living testimony.
The documentary is designed to spread knowledge beyond the boundaries of research, raise public awareness, and inspire new actions. A tool of communication between science, communities, and society.
📽️ First official screening: 6-8 October 2025 at the International Gelada Workshop, Yorkshire Wildlife Park (UK).
Alberto Quartesan received the award for Best Master’s Thesis in the Bionatural Sciences category, for his work on social dynamics and interunit interactions in wild geladas.
Read more →Sheleme Abiyou Gamessa graduated with top honours from Addis Ababa University with a thesis on social play behaviour in geladas living around Debre Libanos.
Read more →The University of Pisa hosted Professor Araya Gebresilassie of Addis Ababa University for a seminar on malaria elimination efforts in Ethiopia.
Read more →Every desk and every textbook was funded by friends, colleagues and families who believe a research expedition can leave more behind than data. Join them.
We are deeply grateful to our supporters, whose valuable contribution has been essential to the realisation of this project and will continue to inspire new initiatives.
We sincerely thank our partners for their support, shared vision, and innovative solutions that have made this project possible.
