In honor of humans’ closest cousin, World Chimpanzee Day, July 14th, was a celebration of chimpanzees and an opportunity to raise awareness about the vital need for worldwide participation in their care, protection, and conservation in the wild and in captivity. The chimpanzees of Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue spent the day under the warm Cameroonian sun, foraging for wild fruits and playing in their large forested enclosures.

The sanctuary also hosted a group of village children for the day. Founder/Director Dr. Sheri Speede photographed Xeko and Ginger observing visitors from the forest edge as Assistant Manager Sandra Casti quizzed the children about what types of foods chimpanzees eat. Hands flew up in the air with confident answers as these children often help gather fruits and vegetables for the sanctuary’s tri-weekly purchases of fruit for the chimps!

Young adult male Ginger and adolescent male Xeko are both thriving in their group of seven after arriving at the Sanctuary as babies confiscated from dealers with intent to sell them into the illegal exotic pet trade. Both Ginger and Xeko found safe haven at the Sanctuary in 2008, when Ginger was just three years old and baby Xeko was only six months old. They have been friends ever since. 

By providing permanent sanctuary for confiscated orphans, as well as information and necessary technical assistance to authorities, Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue serves as an essential component for law enforcement. Without a sanctuary for confiscated chimpanzees there can be no arrests, prosecutions or convictions of traffickers.

Please consider making a donation today to help all animals.