On the western edge of Africa lies a great belt of tropical rainforest that is home to some of the world’s most unique species, including Chimpanzee, Pygmy Hippopotamus and Mandrill. Much of this rainforest is under significant threat from the over exploitation of natural resources due to rising local human populations and extreme poverty. Illegal hunting for the bush-meat trade and the pet-trade are also major threats to the wildlife found in these areas.

In the Upper Guinea Forest in Sierra Leone, Zoos SA is supporting the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary which is working with local communities to address some of the threats being faced by the rainforest dwelling species. To do this Tacugama is helping to establish livestock rearing projects, setting up swamp rice plantations, improving fuel efficiency of cooking, setting up tree nurseries for sustainable harvesting of wood and food products and running education programs.

Zoos SA is also supporting the work of the Jane Goodall Institute at the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre in the Congo. The conservation work focuses on ending the illegal commercial bush-meat trade through education and awareness programs and community conservation programs including the development of alternative protein sources. The centre also operates as a safe haven for orphaned Chimpanzees.

Our partners include the Jane Goodall Institute and Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary.