Almost two decades ago, we rescued our first chimpanzees and brought them into our beautiful sanctuary deep in the heart of Cameroon’s Mbargue Forest. After rescuing 100 great ape orphans, our beloved sanctuary in Africa has blossomed into its own independent charitable organization. As of January 1, 2019, the Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue formerly known as IDA Africa is now fully independent!

During its first 20 years, IDA-Africa rescued and placed into sanctuary over 100 great ape orphans. Once rescued and in sanctuary, chimpanzee orphans are given the opportunity to live out their natural lifespan of up to 60 years. The Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue will remain committed to the lifelong care of its residents.

In Defense of Animals founded this life-saving chimpanzee program in 1999. Sheri Speede, DVM was appointed to undertake the vital work of rescuing and protecting chimpanzees from traffickers, bushmeat hunters, and habitat loss due to logging, mining, and expanding human population. Ever since then, we have been hard at work rescuing orphaned and illegally trafficked chimpanzees.

IDA Africa saved thousands of lives and provided a safe, healthy and nurturing environment for animals. Beyond that, together with our supporters, we have successfully campaigned to conserve vast tracts of critical habitat for our sanctuary, as well as preserve life-sustaining forests for free-living chimpanzees and other animals.

Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue will proudly continue to collaborate with locals, play a key role in developing and sustaining local economies, and provide vital education for local children and people around the world about the importance of protecting and respecting our closest animal kin.

We are delighted to share news of our preliminary plans to open another animal rescue center. Until then, we continue our dedicated rescue and rehabilitation work at our sanctuaries in Mississippi and Mumbai, India.