Nursing infants are usually captured as a by-product of the illegal trade in ape meat, more generally called bushmeat, and can be sold within the country as pets or smuggled out to meet the growing demand for wildlife in Asia. Some poachers target nursing mothers especially for their infants.
Founded in 1999 and occupying 225 acres in Cameroon’s Mbargue Forest, the sanctuary is currently home to 72 chimpanzees ranging in age from three to over 50 years. Resident chimpanzees spend their days in tracts of enclosed forest ranging in size from one to 20 acres, and they sleep protected within large cages adjacent to their enclosures. The grounds include cabins for volunteers, a kitchen, a veterinary clinic, a small diagnostic laboratory, a small office, an education center, a shelter for staff meetings and meals, seven forested enclosures, and seven sleeping cages, each with multiple large chambers. Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue plays a vital role in combating the illegal wildlife trade; without a sanctuary for illegally trafficked orphans, there could be no confiscations and no arrests or prosecutions of dealers. Sanaga-Yong staff also provides authorities with technical assistance in confiscating and transporting chimpanzees when needed.
Some of the seventy-two resident chimpanzees at the Center have been confiscated as infants from poachers or dealers; others have suffered on chains or in small cages for decades before their rescue. While rescuing and caring for illegally trafficked chimpanzee orphans, SYCR is working to solve the root of the problem through national and international awareness and by working with Cameroon's Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife to support law enforcement and increase forest protection.
Volunteering At SYCR
Three-month volunteer opportunities available for Spring and Summer! Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue in Cameroon, West-Central Africa needs help from highly motivated, mature volunteers who are committed to the conservation of great apes and are willing to live in an isolated, challenging environment to help save an endangered species. This incredibly rewarding, life-enriching experience provides the exclusive opportunity to live in Africa, learn from our highly skilled staff and care for our beloved resident chimpanzees!
SYCR seeks volunteers for six-month stays. Under the direction of a Volunteer Supervisor, volunteers are responsible for helping with the day-to-day operations of the sanctuary. Tasks include working with Cameroonian staff (who speak French), helping with chimpanzee care and feeding, kitchen duties, washing fruit, cleaning cages, assisting with facilities and fence maintenance, overseeing use of project equipment, painting, buying food and supplies in town, and other manual tasks. Volunteers pitch in wherever most needed, though efforts are made to match individuals with their specific talents and skills. Please note: contact with juvenile and adult chimpanzees occurs during daily feedings and enrichment activities. Hands-on contact with baby chimpanzees is limited and not guaranteed.
Qualifications and Experience Required:
- 21 years or older and paid work experience
- Commitment of six (6) months
- Must be fluent in French or English; if fluent in English conversational French strongly preferred; if fluent in French, conversational English strongly preferred and must be able to apply to volunteer in English
- Physical stamina and good overall health
- Adaptable and agreeable to changing work requirements/schedules and basic living conditions
- Preferred
- University degree
- Experience living in a developing country, preferably Africa, for at least several months
- Previous experience working with chimpanzees or great apes
- Work experience as part of a group or project team
- Qualifications or length of stay can be negotiated for applicants with professional veterinary or medical training, or mechanical, electrical or construction skills and experience. SYCR continually seeks experienced veterinarians, veterinary technicians, doctors and nurses, mechanics and engineers.
Expenses and Funding:
There is a one-time applicant processing fee of $300 when you are accepted as a volunteer. Volunteers are responsible for round-trip air travel, immunizations, visas, etc. Accommodations and vegetarian meals are provided while at the sanctuary. SYCR does not provide stipends, internships or research opportunities. For the right person, volunteering at SYCR is a unique and wonderful opportunity to live and work in rural Africa, in close proximity to some of the most incredible animals in the world! To learn more about our volunteer program or to request an application, please contact us
Volunteering In The U.S.A.
While the lifesaving efforts of Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue and our critical conservation work take place in Africa, the organization is headquartered in the United States. The two staff members located in Portland, Oregon are responsible for marketing, fundraising, events and education, both nationally and internationally. So, volunteer help is greatly appreciated!
Opportunities include:
- Assisting with planning and auction item procurement for our annual gala held in September in Portland
- Volunteering at the annual gala with a variety of positions being available
- Assisting with planning and auction item procurement for our annual benefits in April in Buffalo and New York City
- Maintaining our social media presence
- Supporting management of the Adopt An Orphan and Volunteering At SYCR programs
- Database entry
Most of the volunteer opportunities can be accomplished remotely and do not require you to be located in Portland.
In addition, we are seeking supporters who wish to help coordinate fundraising and education events in other cities throughout the country. We can offer the support of staff and volunteers from Portland, but it is necessary to have a volunteer within the city hosting the event to assist with coordination. We would be grateful for your help to raise awareness!
If you have questions regarding any of the volunteer opportunities we offer within the U.S., please contact us.
