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  • Mefou primate sanctuary
  1. About us
  2. Mefou primate sanctuary

Mefou primate sanctuary

Welcome to our home!

Mefou primate sanctuary is at the heart of everything we do to protect Cameroon's endangered primates. Set in 1000 hectares of rainforest, our sanctuary is home to 8 groups of chimpanzees comprising more than 120 individuals, 4 groups of western lowland gorillas comprising 25 individuals, and 10 groups of monkeys, including a variety of guenons and mangabeys, mandrills and olive baboons.

Many of the species we care for are critically endangered in the wild, so the work we do is vital both from the perspective of caring for individuals impacted by human activities, but also from the perspective of preserving Cameroon's natural heritage for future generations.

Our sanctuary has grown significantly from very small beginnings in 1996 and is now a significant source of employment and income for the communities living around its borders. We now employ approximately 50 people, a large majority of whom come from local villages, and through our community outreach programs, we work to improve the lives of the people living closest to us. Our policy of buying the produce they grow to feed the animals in our care has proven very popular in recent years and contributes a significant amount of money to the local economy every year.

Map of Mefou (with thanks to Robin Huffman)

Visit Us!

With the exception of Christmas Day, our sanctuary is open year-round and we love to welcome visitors to Mefou to meet the amazing animals in our care. For more information about how to visit us please visit this page. 

Published: 26th June, 2019

Updated: 2nd December, 2019

Author: Ian Bickerstaff

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Latest

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    Ape Action Africa is a primate conservation organisation based in Cameroon

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    Bushmeat

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    Donate to Ape Action Africa

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TR2R
25th Anniversary Book

25th Anniversary Book

Our first book is on sale now! Read more

Published: 10th November, 2021

Updated: 3rd March, 2022

Author: Ian Bickerstaff

Work with us

Work with us

All opportunities to work with us, either on a volunteer basis or in a paid position are listed here. Thank you for your interest in working for Ape Action Africa! Read more

Published: 3rd February, 2022

Updated: 5th April, 2022

Author: Michaela Wells

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Find us:

Ape Action Africa
Guthrie Rd
Bristol, BS8 3HA
Registered charity no. 1057061 
+44 7870 682454
+237 660 300 686 (Call or WhatsApp for enquiries in Cameroon)

Ape Action Africa Inc.
555 Bryant St. #862,
Palo Alto, CA 94301
TIN: 76-0834562

[email protected]

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UK Registered charity number 1057061 | USA TIN 76-0834562