Great Apes Conservation

We're proud to be part of the Ape TAG Conservation Initiative, a collective effort by zoos to help conserve wild populations of endangered apes in their natural habitats.

Given catastrophic population declines, the American Zoological Association estimates that some ape species will be extinct in as little as 20 years. Ape survival in the wild is critically threatened by habitat loss, illegal hunting, disease and the pet trade.

In response, zoos around the country are leveraging their expertise, education initiatives and resources to protect and preserve ape populations. The Ape TAG Conservation Initiative is a collective effort by zoos to help conserve wild populations of endangered apes in their natural habitats. Projects range from species monitoring and protection to law enforcement, ecotourism, and veterinary and disease monitoring. All projects include the local communities. These projects help gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, gibbons and their habitats.

You can Help!

Hang up on deforestation and recycle your old cell phone at the Zoo.
To protect the orangutan's forest home, shop responsibly to avoid purchasing products made with palm oil.
Play an active role in conservation: volunteer here at Zoo New England!