In Defense of Animals-Africa's Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center provides sanctuary to chimpanzee orphans of the illegal commercial bushmeat trade. IDA-Africa wages an extensive education and sensitization campaign to raise awareness of the laws against killing, capturing, holding, and eating chimpanzees and gorillas. IDA-Africa's radio and television media campaign aims to make is socially unacceptable to eat chimpanzees and gorillas. Chimpanzees at Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center are orphans ~ their mothers were killed for the illegal bushmeat trade. Hunters captured them as young babies, often still clinging to their mothers bodies, to sell as "pets" or hotel mascots. Some of the orphans at the Sanaga-Yong Center were rescued as infants, soon after they were taken from the forest by hunters. Others languished in strict, debilitating confinement for decades before getting their second chance for a life of joy and dignity at Sanaga-Yong.
No matter where they've been, each orphan has suffered terribly. Some have been physically handicapped. All have deep emotional scars that take time to heal. They experience nightmares, a complete lack of trust, utter sadness and mourning for their loss, and sometimes difficulty adjusting. But their ability to eventually recover is inspiring.
At Sanaga-Yong, the chimpanzees live in lush, forested enclosures ~ free to climb trees, run, jump, and laugh and to form strong, loving bonds. Each finds his/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 in captivity. IDA-Africa's chimpanzee sponsorship program is an opportunity to support an orphaned chimpanzee and learn more about him or her and their life at Sanaga-Yong Center.
Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue