Wildlife

Great Ape Welfare: Conservation and Sanctuary Work

Chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos and orangutans face habitat destruction, illegal hunting and the pet and entertainment trades. Sanctuaries provide refuge for survivors of these welfare crises.

Key Facts

All four great ape species are classified as Endangered or Critically Endangered
Approximately 3,000 chimpanzees are estimated to be kept in captivity globally outside sanctuaries
Illegal wildlife trade drives orphan chimpanzee capture — the mother is always killed
Gorilla welfare has been severely impacted by civil conflict in Central Africa
Orangutan habitat is being destroyed at approximately 50 football pitches per hour in Borneo

Welfare Considerations

Great apes are our closest relatives — their cognitive and emotional complexity means that welfare deprivation causes suffering equivalent in kind, if not quantity, to human suffering. Orphaned chimpanzees rescued from the pet trade require 20-30 years of sanctuary care before they can form stable social groups. Rehabilitation is a lifelong commitment. Habitat protection remains the most cost-effective welfare intervention at scale.

What You Can Do

Support Ape Action Africa, Pan African Sanctuary Alliance and Great Ape Trust
Avoid palm oil products from companies not committed to deforestation-free sourcing
Engage with the Great Apes Survival Partnership on habitat protection policy
Donate to Jane Goodall Institute chimpanzee sanctuary and conservation programmes
Never support tourism that offers wildlife selfies with apes — always report it