Born Free is delighted to announce the wonderful Ape Action Africa as our vital new partner in Cameroon.
Eto’o (front) and Nkamum, Mefou Primate Sanctuary © Ian Bickerstaff, Ape Action Africa
Ape Action Africa works on the frontline of conservation, saving gorillas and other primates from the illegal ‘bushmeat’ and pet trade. Like Born Free, their mission is to address the immediate threats faced by 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 only days old and hours from death. Once safely in the sanctuary, Ape Action Africa’s team works round the clock to give any veterinary treatment needed, as well as nourishing food and expert care.
Ape Action Africa is also committed to identifying areas that can be set aside as protected habitat for rescued gorillas and chimpanzees. It is their hope that, one day, the great apes and monkeys in their care will be released back into the wild, where they belong.
Mefou Primate Sanctuary is located about 93 miles (150km) from the Dja Biosphere Reserve, where Born Free’s Guardians of Dja programme operates – working with local communities to help them coexist with rare great apes in the Congo rainforest. Ape Action Africa offers an engaging education programme for local school children, who are encouraged to visit Mefou to see Cameroon’s wildlife in its natural environment. Every year, students from Ecole Jean-Michel Vichard – a primary school supported by Born Free’s Guardians of Dja programme – 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 Born Free’s adopted Gorilla Family. The family is led by a powerful silverback called Bobo, and comprises seven individuals: four males – Bobo, Kibu, Nkamum and Eto’o, and three females – Geri, Avishag and Jasmine. Adopt the Gorilla Family today to help Ape Action Africa and Born Free protect and care for great apes in Cameroon.
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