Date
November 20, 2006
Contact
Andrea Kozil
503-643-8302
andrea@ida-africa.org
In Defense of Animals
3010 Kerner Blvd
San Rafael
CA 94901
IDA is an international, California-based animal advocacy organization dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of animals by defending their rights, welfare and habitats.
A GREAT GIFT IDEA FOR ANYONE WHO NEEDS LOVE
Sponsor an Orphaned African Chimpanzee This Holiday Season
Spread Holiday Joy with a Gift of Compassion that Keeps On Giving
The chimpanzees at In Defense of Animal (IDA)’s Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center in Cameroon, Africa were orphaned when their mothers were killed for the illegal bushmeat trade. This holiday season, through IDA’s Chimpanzee Sponsorship Program, you can give the gift of life to that special someone - a holiday gift that keeps on giving.
Some of the baby chimpanzees were rescued by the Center soon after hunters took them from the forest. Others were destined to languish in strict, debilitating confinement as “exotic exhibits” in hotel lobbies, or other humiliating events, for decades before their rescue. All of the orphans have deep emotional scars that take time to heal. When first rescued, they experienced nightmares, a complete lack of trust, utter sadness and mourning for their loss. There is nothing more inspiring, however, than watching them recover, day-by-day, month-by-month.
Whatever their individual stories may entail, each orphan has suffered terribly and is in need of a place where they can live with others of their species, free from human domination and cruelty in an environment as close as possible to their natural habitat. At Sanaga-Yong, the chimpanzees regain their lives in lush, forested enclosures - free to climb trees, run, jump, and laugh and form strong, loving bonds. Each finds his or her place within a social group and is given the opportunity to grow into the beautiful, healthy, happy individual he or she could never have become without the help of kind hearts all around the world.
You can save and nurture the life of a chimpanzee by sponsoring him or her as a holiday gift for a loved one.
The sponsor will receive:
- an 8x10 photograph of their newly-sponsored chimpanzee
- the chimpanzee’s full biography
- periodic updates and photos
- a suitable-for-framing, signed Certificate of Sponsorship
- a great sense of pride and satisfaction in getting an amazing gift that really makes a difference.
“The truth is, if we don't succeed in curbing the bushmeat trade soon, it will be too late for wild chimpanzees and gorillas,” said Dr. Sheri Speede, founder of the Rescue Center. “So our work to stop the killing of mothers and the influx of orphans will continue and expand. But it is crucial that we give the orphans at Sanaga-Yong Center the second chance they deserve. By sponsoring a chimpanzee for a loved one, you’ll share in the satisfaction of saving a special life.”
To see photos and bios of the chimpanzees, to access secure on-line or printable gift giving forms, or for more information, please visit www.ida-africa.org.