Meeting the Great Apes of Africa

After years of dreaming, the day finally came, where I got to meet the great apes of Africa. For as long as I could remember I have wanted to visit Africa, smell the air, met the people and animals and experience the vast continent for myself.

Landing in Cameroon was an immensely surreal experience. Alongside me, was my partner who had been anticipating this experience, almost as much as me.

As we drove through the different villages, my eyes were busy taking in the scenery, whilst my nose was pleasantly surprised with the aromas. The air smelt fresh due to the lush dense rain-forest hugging the road, mixed with a slight hint of smoke. Small and large black and white birds were seen flying ahead. Women were walking along the edge of the road, with large baskets on their heads, with utter ease. Children of all ages, some in uniform, were making their way to school, a few eagerly waving at us as we drove past.

Clay houses scattered along the edge of the road sat on top of the most vibrant red earth. People passing in and out of their homes or sitting out the front, watching the world go by. Chickens were busily pecking the ground in search of food and dogs were laying around in the shade. Off the main road, we continued for another 5kms. Along an uneven dirt track, shaking around until we eventually pulled up to the sanctuary, a place I had dreamed of for years.

Tucked inside Mefou National Park, is the sanctuary known as Ape Action Africa Inc. A sanctuary for gorillas, chimpanzees and many other African primates who find themselves displaced in need of a loving, nurturing, safe and secure place to call home.

As we pulled up to our sleeping quarters, I had to double check I was seeing correctly. Sitting on the steps leading to our room was another volunteer, with a boisterous infant chimpanzee clinging to his back. An incredibly unique moment to witness, one of many that were yet to come.

We were warmly greeted by the staff, who showed us to our private room and the facilities. We began settling into our room and making ourselves comfortable. Outside our room we heard some noise, as I turned to have a look, I witnessed two infant gorillas following their carer out of the room next door. I gasped, surprised but in awe. Without moving a muscle, I just stood watching them, their beautiful bodies, gracefully walking on all fours. I couldn’t take my eyes off them.

The slightly older infant known as ‘Chickaboo’ noticed me, our eyes met and she started running towards me. She ran straight into our room and right up to me. She lifted her arms as if to be carried. When I didn’t lift her, she continued to climb up my body regardless. I held her. Her arms wrapped around my neck, grasping onto me like she would her own mother. I could hear her soft, warm breathe in my ear. The soft skin on her face, brushing against mine. She was heavier than I expected, with incredibly soft hair.

Although my heart was racing, I felt the most calm I had ever felt in another animals presence. At that moment, it felt like, just the two of us. Our moment of connection was broken suddenly when her carer came and carried her off me. I watched the three of them walk off into the forest opposite our room, where I was told they would spend the day. I sat down, shocked, surprised and in awe of what I just experienced. So surreal.

We finished unpacking, took a cold (no hot available) shower with a bucket. Then took a nap, with the noise of chickens clucking, chimpanzees screaming, and the amazing sound of gorillas slapping their chests in the distance.

I was extremely excited at the thought of starting work the next day. All I knew was that these next three months were going to be the most memorable and worthwhile months of my life. And I wasn’t wrong.

Ape Action Africa is extremely passionate about great ape conservation in Cameroon. They care for nearly 350 primates. This includes 110 chimpanzees and 20 gorillas. All in need of food, safe shelter, and medicine. Great apes can live for 50-60 years, so this is a long-term commitment for the sanctuary, with many more animals arriving each and every year. The sanctuary is in a protected zone in Mefou National Park. Guarded 24 hours a day, to ensure the safety of all animals, staff, and volunteers.

The animals that come to the sanctuary have been rescued from horrible situations, which I will explain in more detail in my next post. Some only months old, barely hanging on to life. When they arrive at the sanctuary the infants are cared for by trained local staff. They are given round the clock care, affection, love, and nourishment. With many needing urgent veterinary care due to the unsuitable conditions and suffering they may have endured before arriving at the sanctuary.

If possible, the infants are paired up to encourage play and to form a connection with their own kind, while still being cared for by a human carer. After many months of rehabilitation, they will form their own nursery/adolescent group, to start relying on each other more, rather than their human carers.

Some, once strong and confident enough, will be slowly and safely introduced into an existing group, in a controlled environment. The enclosures are enormous and incredibly lush, allowing the animals to hide and not be seen throughout the day if they prefer. At night they are protected in special night enclosures, to ensure no injuries or illegal poachers can harm them.

What does this sanctuary stand for?

Ape = To provide sanctuary for endangered apes and monkeys, orphaned by deforestation, the illegal bushmeat and pet trades.

Action = To actively rescue orphaned primates, providing rehabilitation and long-term care in a protected environment.
The sanctuary is working with other NGO’s and the government, trying to set aside protected habitat for these animals and find a solution to reverse the decline of these magnificent animals.

Africa = To work closely with the Cameroonian people providing education and social support. They work with local communities to find different ways to grow food and generate an income, rather than poaching. They also run education programs for local school children to gain a greater understanding and respect for their native wildlife and environment.

I hope you can join me in appreciating what a unique and wonderful charity this is. The dedication of everyone involved was wonderful to witness. If you were ever in doubt, please don’t be. If you donate and support this charity, it will forever be appreciated by all the staff and animals alike.

My time at the sanctuary was already 6 years ago now, but I can recall it all like it was yesterday. The few months I spent there were beyond my wildest expectations and will forever hug my soul. Sitting here writing about this sanctuary, the people and the animals brings a smile and a sensation to my heart that I find hard to articulate in writing.

I look forward to elaborating more on my experience at the sanctuary in my next post – coming soon!

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