In 2020 the coronavirus changed everybody's lives. We closed our doors to visitors. We closed our doors to volunteers. But we never close our doors to the orphans who need us. Read more
In 2018 the world witnessed silverback Bobo's very gentle nature when he encountered a wild bushbaby in his forest enclosure Read more
When baby chimp Farah was rescued in 2017, long-time volunteer and photographer Ian Bickerstaff was able to capture on camera Farah's arrival Read more
On her second trip to Ape Action Africa in 2016, Dr. Stephanie Brien was faced with the immense challenges of dealing with an extremely rare outbreak of monkeypox in one of our chimp groups. Read more
When David was rescued in 2015, he showed few natural chimp behaviours and had poor social skills due to the isolation he'd suffered. With help from our team and his fellow orphans, he learned how to be a chimp. Read more
When Larry Taylor joined Ape Action Africa as our Deputy Director in 2014, an all-hands-on-deck event threw him right in at the deep end! Read more
In 2013 we had to make the very difficult decision to amputate Shufai's arm. Dr Sharon Redrobe was one of the incredible vets who was able to provide the orphaned gorilla with a life free from pain. Read more
In 2012 Afangui became the first gorilla to be confiscated by authorities in neighbouring Equatorial Guinea. Read more
On Jenny Brown's first of many trips to the forest in 2011, orphan Ayisha almost lost her fight for life. Seeing her recover and begin to thrive in a family of chimps was everything Jenny had hoped for. Read more
In 2010 our Director, Avi Sivan, tragically died in a helicopter accident. But his legacy lives on and he remains an inspiration to us all. Read more
After volunteering in 2010 Jacha Potgieter's businesses and artwork developed a very distinct ape theme and he's now one of our wonderful ambassadors. Read more
In 2009 Billie Jean found safety at Ape Action Africa after spending more than 8 years as an abused pet in neighbouring Equatorial Guinea. Read more
Samburu has faced a lot of difficulties since he contracted meningitis in 2008. But he is the 'Le Roi' (The King) of our pre-nursery chimpanzee group. Read more
Following a trip to Ape Action Africa in 2007, Robin Huffman quit her career and sold her house and car to spend more time at sanctuaries and advocate for primates around the world. Read more
After meeting Rachel Hogan in 2006, Susan Lutter travelled to Cameroon. Impressed by our rescued primates and amazed by our team, Susan's tireless support for Ape Action Africa began and she is now one of our fabulous trustees. Read more
In 2005 our fabulous volunteer and friend Susan Eberth took the first of many trips to Cameroon. Read her memories of cleaning, caring and cutting afromomum! Read more
In 2005 a two-week-old gorilla miraculously survived losing his mother to anthrax. Sixteen years on, Yeba is a stunning silverback. Read more
In 2005 Victoria Luke watched an episode of the TV programme Going Ape. Before she knew it she was in the forest in Cameroon and is now one of our fantastic trustees. Read more
In 2004 three-week-old gorilla Nona was orphaned. Her rescue video shows some of the horrific trauma she suffered and the reality of the illegal bushmeat trade. Read more
2003 saw the rescue of 2 terrified 1-year-old gorillas, Nyume and Mvie. They clung together as babies and their strong bond has lasted into adulthood. Read more
In 2002, Mr Appolinaire Ndohoudou joined Ape Action Africa as a security guard. Nearly 20 years later he's our Controller. Hear him answer your questions in 'Ask Me Anything'. Read more
In 2002 Caroline McLaney volunteered for a month in Cameroon to set up accounting systems for us. Nearly 20 years later the project is still a huge part of her life! Read more
In 2001 two-week-old gorilla Nkan Daniel was rescued, leading then volunteer Rachel Hogan to postpone her return to the UK. 20 years later Nkan Daniel is a stunning silverback and Rachel is still here, now as our Director. Read more
"I always tell people that being part of the project has changed my life." Our fabulous volunteer Kathy Crystal shares memories of the first trip to Cameroon in 2000. Read more