International Primate Protection League (UK)

Returning wild animals to their natural homes should be everyone's dream. It is certainly ours.

Three factors make rehabilitation difficult.

1.  Disappearing suitable habitat.
2.  Impact upon the release territory and its animal population.
3.  The unhappy history of so many rescued animals.

Practical solutions require that each project should:

•  Conduct a biological/botanical assessment of potential release sites.
•  Develop rescue centres and sanctuaries as an educational medium.
•  Involve local populations, particularly the children, in concern for a sustainable environment and the animal life that is essential to a healthy ecosystem.
•  Nurture traumatised animals and integrate them into a natural pre-release group.
•  Most important of all, for release to lead to long-term success the support of Governments, elders and villagers must be self-evidently of benefit to their community.

A tall order, but it has been achieved.

Since 1973, IPPL has provided practical support for sanctuaries at home and overseas. Our resources are limited and we are not able to sponsor the grand schemes that may attract wide publicity and a multitude of donors. Instead, we have concentrated upon providing a helping hand at the initial stage, when capable and committed individuals need the genuine encouragement that only experienced and informed enthusiasts can provide.

Over the past 32 years IPPL has aided over 40 primate rescue centres, some of which have since achieved international status. It is our aim to encourage further pioneers to tread the same road – with caution, but in the knowledge that it can be done.

Something has to be done to help orphaned, injured or abused primates, and not just to save the individual animals. Overseas sanctuaries and rehabilitation centres also play a vital role in supporting wider conservation objectives. However, it must be recognised that successful rehabilitation is not easily achieved and this is especially true of chimpanzees.