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In the rainforests of Cameroon the number of wild, free-living chimpanzees is dwindling at an alarming rate. Today, it is estimated that fewer than 150,000 chimpanzees remain in their native African countries where as recently as the early 1900’s the wild forests of Africa were home to nearly 2 million chimpanzees.
The illegal, commercial ape meat trade and habitat loss are the primary threats to ape populations.
The slaughtered chimpanzees are not the only victims of the illegal trade. The orphans – infants, juveniles and adults – are victims as well. Visits to remote jungle villages and urban markets often include the sight of dejected orphans listlessly pining for their dead mothers. Visitors to roadside zoos and resort hotels are often shocked at the sight of adult chimpanzees – the grown-up orphans – tethered to the ground by short, heavy chains, or caged behind bars for a lifetime.
In Defense of Animals-Africa cares for 72 orphans at our Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center in Cameroon and works to solve the root of the problem through international awareness and education.
2011 Bush Telegraph
Our Bush Telegraph recaps an exciting year of Charlos and Cathy's introduction to their new family, the arrival of three new babies, our involvement in the community and the people that contribute to the care of the 72 chimpanzee residents of Sanaga-Yong Rescue Center.
Happy New Year from IDA-Africa!
(Margot laying on Milou - Photo courtesy of Dana Vion)
Our Featured Clip presents Margot, Milou and Selma
playing in the natural forest habitat of
Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center.
Please read Margot's story and donate to or
sponsor a chimpanzee!
Milou puts the "Play" in Playtime!
The YouTube video posted by IDA-Africa volunteer Daniel Bergin has gone viral and has been featured on Good Morning America, Inside Edition and Anderson Cooper 360! The charming video shows two-year-old baby Milou enjoying spinning as part of natural chimpanzee play. This is a common behavior for chimps of his age as they learn about their physical abilities and engage their curious nature. Although extraordinary creatures and delightful to watch, it is very important that chimpanzees not be thought of as pets or entertainers. They are dangerous in captivity and should be living freely amongst other chimpanzees in their native habitat forests of Africa.
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Please join us at In Defense of Animals - Africa on
At Sanaga-Yong
Rescue Center,
IDA-Africa is providing chimpanzee orphans with lifetime sanctuary in a
natural forest environment.
Our sanctuary and the
technical assistance we
provide authorities promotes
chimpanzee rescues and confiscation, as well as the arrests of hunters and dealers.
We are saving individual chimpanzees today, and we are working to improve the future through our public education, sensitization and community development initiatives.
The goal of these programs is
to make it socially unacceptable to kill and eat chimpanzees -
when we can achieve this;
we will have created a place where chimpanzees can live
safely and free.
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In a powerful PSA, Cameroon's national celebrities lend their voices to chimpanzee conservation and speak against the illegal ape meat trade. WatchHelp spread the word! |
Published in the November 2009 edition of National Geographic, this photo of Dorothy's funeral awakened the world to the emotional lives of chimpanzees. Learn more |
Experience Sanaga-Yong Center, as our Founder, Dr. Sheri Speede shares our vision and promise for the future. Watch |
