Partnership for Gorilla ConservationPartnership for Gorilla Conservation Born Free Foundation has forged a significant partnership with Ape Action Africa, a leading conservation organization dedicated to protecting gorillas, chimpanzees, and other primates in Cameroon. Mefou Primate Sanctuary, a Haven for Rescued Primates Ape Action Africa operates the esteemed Mefou Primate Sanctuary, a vast rainforest sanctuary that provides shelter and care for orphaned and injured gorillas, chimpanzees, and monkeys. The sanctuary’s team tirelessly provides veterinary treatment, nutritious nourishment, and expert attention to these vulnerable animals. Protecting Habitats and Advocating for Release Beyond sanctuary care, Ape Action Africa strives to safeguard habitats for rescued primates. They identify areas suitable for protected wildlife conservation, with the ultimate goal of releasing rehabilitated apes back into the wild. Collaboration with Born Free’s Guardians of Dja Program Mefou Primate Sanctuary is strategically situated near Born Free’s Guardians of Dja program area. The collaboration between these organizations fosters coexistence between local communities and great apes in the Congolese rainforest. Educational Programs for Future Conservationists Ape Action Africa’s educational program engages local school children, inspiring them to value wildlife conservation. Students from Born Free’s supported Ecole Jean-Michel Vichard primary school visit Mefou to witness firsthand the importance of primate protection. Adopt the Gorilla Family Born Free’s adopted Gorilla Family resides at Mefou Primate Sanctuary. Led by silverback Bobo, the family includes seven members. Your support through adoption enables Ape Action Africa and Born Free to continue their vital work in Cameroon.
Born Free is delighted to announce the fantastic Ape Action Africa as our new major partner in Cameroon.
Eto’o (front) and Nkamum, Mefou Primate Sanctuary © Ian Bickerstaff, Ape Action Africa
Ape Action Africa works on the frontlines 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 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 whom are just days old and hours away from death. Once safely inside the sanctuary, the Ape Action Africa team works around the clock to provide all necessary veterinary treatment, nutritious food and expert care.
Ape Action Africa also works to identify 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.
Mefou Primate Sanctuary is located approximately 93 miles (150 km) from the Dja Biosphere Reserve, where Born Free’s Guardians of Dja program operates – working with local communities to help them coexist with rare great apes in the Congolese rainforest. Ape Action Africa offers an engaging educational program for local school children, who are encouraged to visit Mefou to see Cameroon’s wildlife in their natural habitat. Each 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 gain 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. Led by a powerful silverback named Bobo, the family consists of 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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