Save gorillas with Ape Action Africa

Born Free is delighted to announce the wonderful Ape Action Africa as our important new partner in Cameroon.

Ape Action Africa works on the front lines of conservation, rescuing gorillas and other primates from the illegal “bushmeat” and pet trade. Like Born Free, their mission is to address the immediate threats facing gorillas, chimpanzees and other primates in Africa and to work with communities to develop long-term solutions to ensure their survival in the wild.

Ape Action Africa runs the renowned Mefou Primate Sanctuary. Set in 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) of rainforest in southern Cameroon, the sanctuary takes in orphaned and injured gorillas, as well as chimpanzees and monkeys, some of which are just days old and hours from death. Once the animals are safely at the sanctuary, the Ape Action Africa team works around the clock to provide them with the veterinary treatment they need, as well as nutritious food and expert care.

Ape Action Africa is also committed to identifying areas that can be designated as protected habitat for rescued gorillas and chimpanzees. They hope that the apes and monkeys in their care will one day be released back into the wild where they belong.

The Mefou Primate Sanctuary is located approximately 150km from the Dja Biosphere Reserve, where Born Free’s Guardians of Dja program operates. The program works with local communities to help them coexist with rare great apes in the Congo rainforest. Ape Action Africa offers an exciting educational program for local school children, who are encouraged to visit Mefou to see Cameroon’s wildlife in their natural environment. Every year, students from Ecole Jean-Michel Vichard – a primary school supported by Born Free’s Guardians of Dja program – visit the sanctuary to learn about great ape conservation and have positive experiences with nature. The perfect way to inspire the next generation of primate conservationists!

Ape Action Africa’s Mefou Primate Sanctuary is home to the gorilla family adopted by Born Free. Led by a powerful silverback named Bobo, the family consists of seven animals: four males – Bobo, Kibu, Nkamum and Eto’o – and three females – Geri, Avishag and Jasmine. Adopt the gorilla family today and help Ape Action Africa and Born Free protect and care for great apes in Cameroon.

Take over now