In the forests of Cameroon, habitat destruction and the illegal ape meat trade are driving chimpanzees rapidly toward extinction. While vulnerable populations dwindle, individuals suffer unimaginably. The chimpanzees who die violently at the hands of poachers are not the only victims of the ape meat trade. Infants who survive the hunt can be sold as pets in Cameroon or smuggled out of the country to meet the growing demand from Asian zoos, ultimately condemned to malnutrition, disease, loneliness and misery. As a result of the lucrative international trade, some poachers specifically target nursing mothers for their infants. Sadly, females carrying babies are often slower and easier to hit with shotguns.
How We Are Helping
- Working in collaboration with Cameroon’s Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF), we provide permanent sanctuary for confiscated chimpanzees, thereby enabling enforcement of laws against trafficking. We currently care for over 70 chimpanzees, ranging in age from three to over 50 years.
- We collaborate with the government to protect habitat of chimpanzees, gorillas and other endangered wildlife.
- We educate and sensitize populations about the importance of conservation, with an emphasis on primary school children.
- We increase the engagement of local people through employment opportunities and programs that improve their lives.
