Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center

website: www.ida-africa.org

primary species: Chimpanzees

volunteer program: Volunteers are accepted for a minimum of six months, and must speak French. For more information, please contact info@ida-africa.org.

year founded: 1999

director: Dr. Sheri Speede

primary supporters: In Defense of Animals, Arcus Foundation, IPPL, Ahimsa Foundation, Foley/Frischkorn Wildlife & Conservation Fund, Fondation Brigitte Bardot, public donations.

adoption progam: Chimpanzees may be adopted at a cost of USD $15 per month, with a six-month minimum. For more information, please contact info@ida-africa.org.

sanctuary history: The Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center was founded in 1999 in a forest deep within Cameroon's Central Province by Dr. Sheri Speede, an American veterinarian who also served as Northwest director of a Defense of Animals (IDA). Sanaga-Yong's mission is to provide safety and care for captive chimpanzees in Cameroon, even as it works to prosecute poachers, promote conservation education, and protect the last remaining wild populations. The Rescue Center occupies over two square kilometers and is currently home to 59 chimpanzees. Sanga-Yong also employs 25 Cameroonians from local villages and maintains a small farm nearby in order to produce as much of its required food as possible.