Building a Better Future for Our Primates, One Enrichment Plan at a Time

When Boy Roeles arrived at Ape Action Africa from Artis Zoo in Amsterdam, he came with a clear goal in mind. Not just to visit, but to leave something behind that would last long after he had gone home.

Boy has spent years working with primates and enrichment, including previous visits to sanctuaries here in Cameroon. He knows better than most that the impact of a visit is only as good as what continues once the expert has left. That thinking shaped everything about his time with us.

Boy Roeles (Left) , Vet Nurse Zita (Right)

Getting to Know Our Residents

Before a single idea could be put on paper, Boy needed to understand our primates. During his time at the sanctuary he spent time with each group, learning about individual species, understanding the personal histories of our residents, and assessing what enrichment they are currently receiving. He also looked carefully at what materials are already available on site and what can be sourced locally, because a plan that relies on things you cannot get hold of is not a plan that lasts.

What Happens Next

When Boy returns home he will begin putting together a comprehensive long term enrichment plan, complete with schedules and a full list of enrichment activities that can be created right here at the sanctuary. This is not a one off visit. Boy will be returning to implement the programme in person and set it up for long term use, ensuring our residents continue to benefit from his expertise well into the future.

What Boy Said About His Time Here

We asked Boy how he found his visit and his words meant a great deal to our team. From the moment he arrived he felt genuinely welcomed by everyone, and the eagerness to learn he saw across our staff made a real impression on him. He described being here in the forest as amazing and said he really felt this was going to be a productive and meaningful visit.

That eagerness to learn is something we work hard to cultivate here at Ape Action Africa. The primates in our care deserve a team that never stops improving, and partnerships like this one are a big part of how we make that happen.

A Thank You to Artis Zoo

None of this would have been possible without the support of Artis Zoo Amsterdam. We are incredibly grateful to them for making Boy's visit a reality and for their commitment to the welfare of primates beyond their own walls.

We cannot wait to welcome Boy back and to share the next chapter of this programme with you. 💚