Every single Great Ape matters!

Following the announcement by researchers of Princeton University that gorilla and chimpanzee populations have crashed by over 50% in Gabon in the last 20 years, The Born Free Foundation, the international wildlife and conservation charity, is calling on everyone interested in saving these species from extinction to take action now.

"It is the eleventh hour", said Will Travers, CEO of The Born Free Foundation, "From now on the life of every single wild gorilla and chimpanzee that we can save increases the chances that these species will survive - the alternative is too dreadful to contemplate."

The lucky ones. Confiscated baby chimpanzees intercepted by Customs Officials - now safe on Ngamba Ngamba Island: 100 acre natural refuge for rescued orphaned chimpanzees

The Foundation is currently working for chimpanzees in Uganda. The Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is home to nearly 40 orphaned rescued chimps, but is now "full".

Plans are underway to lease another island on Lake Victoria.

In Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Foundation has been asked to assist in the emergency establishment of a rescue centre for both gorillas and chimpanzees, victims of the conflict.

Of critical importance is the Eastern Lowland gorilla population in Kahuzi-Biega National Park in DRC where these gorillas are literally clinging to survival. Numbers may have fallen by as much as 80% in the last 5 years as a result of the civil war, habitat loss and poaching for bushmeat. The Foundation is funding anti-poaching operations in those parts of the Park that are accessible to the ranger force.

Donated by Born Free, the only working patrol vehicle in Eastern Kahuzi-Biega National Park (DRC) Grim evidence: gorilla and elephantskulls lined up outside the Park headquarters (Kahuzi-Biega, DRC)

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"It is a matter of getting resources to the frontline" Travers commented, "Vehicles, fuel and other equipment are vital in order for the rangers to maintain an effective presence on the ground. But make no mistake, their lives are at risk every day and they need all the support we can give them."

The Foundation offers a number of ways for people to contribute directly to Great Ape conservation either through its Great Ape adoptions www.bornfree.org.uk) or through donations which can be made by phone on 01403 240170 or online via www.bornfreetrading.co.uk or alternatively through Justgiving.com

"Experts predict that gorillas and chimpanzees, and even orang-utans, will be extinct in the wild in 20 years. We simply cannot allow this to happen. I urge people to call or contact us today" Travers concluded.

For more information, please contact Born Free on + 44 (0)1403 240170:

David Jay (Democratic Republic of Congo) - davidj@bornfree.org.uk

Shelley Petch (Ngamba Island, Uganda) - shelley@bornfree.org.uk

Born Free is a partner organisation in UNEP's Great Ape Survival Partnership (www.unep.org/GRASP/background.asp)