Project Primate Inc. (“PPI”) is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1998 with the mission to curb the rapid decline of primate populations in Western Africa and to promote, inspire, and support international primate conservation efforts.

The pet trade, hunting, habitat destruction and disease all contribute to the decline of chimpanzees across West Africa.

With 30 years of experience in chimpanzee conservation, field research, community education, and advocacy in Western Africa, PPI has the expertise to protect the critically endangered population of chimpanzees and counteract the impact of human encroachment. Project Primate has the practical and regional knowledge that places it in the perfect position to strengthen its conversation, research and educational efforts throughout more of western Africa.  

PPI supports two chimpanzee sanctuaries: Akatia in the protected forest reserve, Yapo-Abbe, in Côte d’Ivoire, and the Chimpanzee Conservation Center in Haut Niger National Park in Guinea.

These sanctuaries care for orphan chimpanzees confiscated by the authorities. They carry the responsibility for providing the best care possible for these orphans and for working closely with governmental agencies to encourage law enforcement and the promotion of education nationwide concerning the killing, capture and ownership of chimpanzees.

In addition, they have the duty to help further the conservation and protection of the chimpanzee’s natural habitat by drawing national and international attention to the value of its biodiversity and ecosystem. Since most of the threat on chimpanzees is driven by human activities, these sanctuaries aim to support sustainable development of the local population.

These sanctuaries have served their local communities and economies through job creation, with staff being recruited from local communities, and supply purchases, such as food for the chimpanzees, bringing in revenue for these local communities.

PPI has strong relationships with these local communities and governments that support the rescue of orphaned chimps and the education around threats to this endangered population of great apes.  Continuing this education and strengthening these relationships are critical to the protection of chimpanzees in Western Africa. PPI has demonstrated its comprehensive and effective approach to conservation, emphasizing community involvement, education, law enforcement, and sustainable resource management.

PPI works to raise awareness in neighboring villages to curtail illegal activities. In return, PPI assists with various projects, such as rice farming, repairing schools, constructing youth centers, and initiating environmental education, gardening projects, and beekeeping projects.

Technology, such as camera traps and trackers, is used for both field research and monitoring the locations of chimpanzees released back into the wild. The continued use of modern technology will be vital to monitor the population while combating the continued pressures of disease, farming, mining, logging, poaching, and other human encroachment.