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  • Our story
  1. About us
  2. Our story

Our story

Our charity was established in 1996 when it was known as Cameroon Wildlife Aid Fund (or CWAF). Its primary objective was to improve living conditions for primates housed at Mvog Betsi Zoo in Yaounde, Cameroon. During 13 years of operation, CWAF expanded its mission significantly to provide sanctuary for wild orphans of the illegal bushmeat and pet trades in Cameroon.

CWAF meant a lot over the years to our dedicated staff and supporters all over the world, but we decided in 2009 to move forward with a name that reflected our commitment to great ape protection and aligned us more closely with our mission and its goals:

  • Ape...to provide sanctuary for individual, endangered primates orphaned by the illegal bushmeat and pet trades

  • Action...to actively rescue orphaned primates, providing rehabilitation and long term care in a protected environment.

  • Africa...to work closely with the Cameroonian people to protect their natural heritage through education and social support.

In the 13 years since this change took place, Ape Action Africa and the sanctuary we run at Mefou have become one of Africa's largest wildlife rescue operations. We are very proud of the rescue and rehabilitation work we do and the outreach programs we run. Whilst the threats to primates remain a very present issue in Cameroon, we are very positive about the future and look forward to the new opportunities we have to increase awareness about the plight of great apes and raise vital funds for our long term work in Cameroon.

If you would like to learn some more about the people who run our organisation, please take a look at 'Our people' page.

We have a very dedicated and generous number of followers and supporters from all over the world who help make sure we continue to do our essential work. Whilst there are too many to name individually on this site, we would like to thank some of our most generous and long-term supporters here.

Mefou primate sanctuary

Published: 8th May, 2019

Updated: 9th May, 2022

Author: Ian Bickerstaff

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Latest

  • Enzo Turns 7, and Wants to Feed Orphaned Gorillas Instead of Presents

    Enzo Turns 7, and Wants to Feed Orphaned Gorillas Instead of Presents

    Help me raise vital funds to protect orphan primates in Cameroon.

  • Buy A Gorilla A Dinner 2022

    Buy A Gorilla A Dinner 2022

    Buy a Gorilla a Dinner is back... and this time we brought friends!

  • Clothes and other goodies

    Find a selection of items for sale, with all profits going directly to the sanctuary, including t-shirts, tote bags, calendars, our limited edition book, placemats, and coasters.

  • 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!

Most read

  • Bobo and the Bushbaby

    Bobo and the Bushbaby

    In 2018 the world witnessed silverback Bobo's very gentle nature when he encountered a wild bushbaby in his forest enclosure

  • Volunteer in Cameroon

    Volunteer in Cameroon

    Please note that our volunteer programme is currently suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

  • Who we are

    Who we are

    Ape Action Africa is a primate conservation organisation based in Cameroon

  • Bushmeat

    Bushmeat

  • Conservation

    Conservation

  • Deforestation

    Deforestation

  • Visit our sanctuary!

    Visit our sanctuary!

    Book your visit to meet the magnificent great apes of Cameroon in a natural forest setting.

  • Silverback spotlight – Bobo

    Silverback spotlight – Bobo

    As we celebrate our Silver Jubilee – 25 years of rescue and rehabilitation – we’re highlighting some of our magnificent silverbacks

  • Mefou primate sanctuary

    Mefou primate sanctuary

    Home to more than 350 rescued primates

  • Donate to Ape Action Africa

    Donate to Ape Action Africa

    Help us save lives by making a donation

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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: 21st June, 2022

Author: Ian Bickerstaff

The Road to Recovery

The Road to Recovery

After two incredibly challenging years, throughout which and only with your help, we kept all 286 of our primates and dedicated team safe, we are now embarking on the next stage of our journey and we invite you to join us on The Road to Recovery! Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 5th January, 2022

Updated: 3rd June, 2022

Author: Michaela Wells

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: 21st May, 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