Every year, hundreds of apes are left orphaned by the bushmeat trade. Nursing mothers are killed either because they are the slowest moving in a family group, or else they are deliberately targeted so their infants can be sold as pets. The Sanctuaries Working Group brings together groups that care for those orphans fortunate enough to be rescued or confiscated. Sanctuaries are permanent centres where the primates will be protected, cared for and resocialised. They offer the individual animals the best possible chance of living a natural life and serve to raise public awareness, and support law enforcement authorities. The role of the working group is to highlight the role played by Sanctuaries in ape conservation.

To find out how you can help, visit the Ape Alliance How to Help Page.