The Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) is the unified voice of the rehabilitation centers in Africa that care for thousands of orphaned chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, drills and other endangered primates. Founded in 2000, PASA promotes cooperation, communication and collective initiatives among its members, and has quickly become a leader in the international sanctuary community. PASA represents 17 sanctuaries in 12 African countries, and enjoys support from associate members around the world. PASA is a partner of the United Nations’ Great Apes Survival Project (GRASP), and a member of both the Species Survival Network (SSN) and the Bushmeat Crisis Task Force (BCTF).

PASA concentrates on a broad range of conservation initiatives, including annual workshops for management, education, and veterinary healthcare; crisis intervention; international policy and negotiation; education & veterinary capacity programs; fund-raising; publications & promotional material; research & data collection; and primate rescue & relocation, among others.

In addition, PASA has taken the international lead in the area of primate reintroduction. Three PASA members currently operate reintroduction programs that place chimpanzees and gorillas back into the wild in accordance with IUCN guidelines – with surprisingly high results, including eight wild births – and nine more PASA members are committed to follow suit.

PASA members represent some of the oldest permanent conservation programs in Africa, and the sanctuaries collectively possess over 200 years of primate care and welfare experience. In addition, PASA sanctuaries invest $3.15 million each year into African economies through employment, food and equipment purchases, and medical support.