Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue

Meet Baby Beri, The Sole Survivor

We recently saved 3-year-old baby Beri from almost certain death at the horrific Yaoundé zoo, and we’re doing everything we can to help her survive. 

Beri's Rescue Story

The Cameroonian Government recently reversed its long-held policy of placing all confiscated chimpanzees in sanctuaries. Because of this reversal, the Yaoundé zoo was able to collect five orphaned baby chimpanzees in 2022-2023. Over a span of less than two years, four of those babies died. Their heartbreaking and unnecessary deaths resulted from general neglect, inadequate nutrition, lack of medical attention and diseases contracted from visitors who surrounded their cage every day. 

During the time this tragedy was occurring, we repeatedly requested the release of the chimpanzees into our care, only to be refused. Finally, the Minister of Forests and Wildlife accepted our request and allowed Beri, the lone surviving chimpanzee, to be transferred. Our friends at Ape Action Africa, which is located much closer to the zoo than Sanaga-Yong, picked her up immediately, and when she was strong enough to travel, we brought her to Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue, her forever home.

Beri Needs Your Help to Survive

Beri was very thin and half the size of our other three-year-olds when she arrived at Sanaga-Yong. We don’t know whether her small size is due only to malnutrition or an underlying illness. We are running expensive medical tests, some of which are still pending. Sadly, we already diagnosed tuberculosis, which she undoubtedly contracted from visitors at the zoo.

We’ve imported what medication we could immediately afford and are treating her for TB. We must keep Beri in strict quarantine away from other chimpanzees for several months and we've assigned caregiver Yannick (pictured below) to be her devoted surrogate parent so she is never alone. She also has a friend in volunteer Angus (in video above), who cares for her when Yannick takes a much-deserved break. Everyone is protecting Beri and themselves by wearing special coveralls and masks. Beri will soon graduate to a larger quarantine area where she will have access to an outdoor enclosure with climbing structures and much more space.

UPDATE as of 10/7: Beri now has access to the forest under loving caregiver supervision! 

Beri needs your help as so much more needs to be done! 

Your donation will help offset Beri's costly ongoing tests, tuberculosis treatments and her caregiver's salary. YOU can make the difference for little Beri to help her recover as soon as possible!

Looking Forward: Future New Friends!

When Beri is healthy enough, we plan to introduce her to fellow babies Bakossi (age 4), Niete (age 3), and Asha (age 1.5). 

Bakossi and NieteAsha

Little Beri is Niete’s age, but closer to Asha’s size. While remaining under the loving supervision of her caregiver, it will be vital for Beri to develop an attachment to other chimpanzees, and to develop physically, mentally and socially alongside them. Later in 2025, we plan to introduce the little ones to Foe's group of six adult chimpanzees.

Foe's group from top left: Kiki, Berchi, Massamba, Robby, Foe and Ava

Opening Our Hearts and Doors to Baby Chimpanzees Orphaned by Poachers

At Sanaga-Yong, rescued chimpanzees thrive in adoptive communities while residing in large enclosures of natural forest habitat. Dedicated caregivers serve them fresh foods four times daily, and our veterinary team provides any needed medical care. We currently care for 80 chimpanzees, ranging in age from less than one year to almost 60 years. 

Without the permanent sanctuary we provide and the logistical and technical assistance we offer wildlife authorities, babies like Beri otherwise face horrific fates - illegally sold as “pets” in Cameroon or smuggled out to meet the growing demand for African wildlife from disreputable zoos and private collectors in North Africa, the Middle East and especially Asia.

While we can never replace the mothers taken from these infants or have them rightfully to grow up free in the forest with their biological families, we DO give them a second chance for lives of dignity, filled with friendship and joy. We love them and are devoted to providing the best life we possibly can for them.

Thank you for supporting us on #GivingDayforApes!

To learn more about our mission, please visit sychimprescue.org 

❤