Fall/Winter 2010 International Primate Protection Leaguea (IPPL), Souths Carolina cent Art Direction & Design: ©Emerson, Wajdowicz Studios / NYC / www.designEWS.com Printed on recycled paper. on recycled paper. Printed ©Cyril 7 Studios / NYC www.designEWS.com Art Direction & Design: ©Emerson, Wajdowicz Page Sanctuary; Chimpanzee ©Tacugama 5 Page Wajdowicz; 6©Jurek & 4 2, pages cover, Front Photography: Lanjouw ©Annette cover Back Ruoso; Collaborative Action and Leadership In this issue of Ascent, primatologist Kay Farmer profiles the NOW AVAILABLE collaborative leadership of the members of the International Primate Protection League and the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, two The Arcus Foundation has released its 2009 annual report, Arcus-funded groups whose members are working together to find which features essays by solutions to aid the plight of endangered great apes threatened by prominent bloggers working in habitat destruction, disease, and the bushmeat and pet trades. Arcus’ mission areas, as well as highlights from grantees and Also, meet Liza Gadsby of Pandrillus Sanctuaries in Nigeria and other partners. Download the Cameroon, and Bala Amarasekaran of Tacugama Chimpanzee report from the Arcus Web site Sanctuary in Sierra Leone. Combatting logging, poaching, lack of at www.arcusfoundation.org. resources and civil war, these two very compassionate sanctuary directors are driven by their passion for great apes and also, people. As Bala puts it, “We are all connected.”

The Arcus Foundation is a leading global foundation advancing pressing social justice and conservation issues. Specifically, Arcus works to advance LGBT equality, as well as to conserve and protect the great apes. Collaborative Action for Primate  Conservation and Welfare IPPL& PASA By Dr. Kay H. Farmer Our world is rich in primate diversity. From the pygmy mouse lemur, which can weigh about 30 grams, to the mountain gorilla, which can weigh up to 200 kilograms, more than 600 primate species inhabit over 90 countries across Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. However, almost half these species are in danger of becoming extinct from the destruc- Otion of tropical forests, the illegal wildlife trade, and commercial bushmeat sellers. At the same time, their welfare frequently is compromised in research laboratories, unaccredited zoos, and the entertainment industry as well as by private owners. Non-human primates are our closest living relatives and, as such, occupy a special position in our hearts and minds. This special relationship has mobilized a small army of committed individuals and organizations across the world that are working to protect primates and their habitats.

 International Primate Protection League (IPPL): Protecting Primates Around the Globe The International Primate Protection international primate trafficking and traumatized primates. With the right League (IPPL), created in 1973 by abuse. As a direct consequence of IPPL’s circumstances in place, some of the Dr. Shirley McGreal, is a nonprofit work, several countries have banned primates may even be returned to the organization dedicated to promoting primate exports, initiated criminal wild. Furthermore, in developing coun- the conservation and protection of all investigations, and prosecuted wildlife tries where few formal environmental non-human primates around the world. traffickers. IPPL also operates its own education programs exist, sanctuaries It is the only organization that promotes sanctuary in the United States, located at provide invaluable opportunities for local protection of all primates regardless its headquarters in Summerville, South people to learn about the importance of of geography or conservation status. Carolina. There, 33 gibbons have a primates to the local ecosystems. Headquartered in the United States with permanent home after their former IPPL field representatives create and a branch in the United Kingdom, IPPL lives as research subjects, residents of preserve national parks and sanctuaries has over 15,000 members and 30 field unaccredited zoos or unwanted pets. and advocate for bans on primate representatives in 25 countries. It provides IPPL prides itself on using a col- hunting, trapping, and trade. Members advice and funding, publicizes the laborative approach to problem solving. monitor the conditions of primates in plight of primates in need, organizes Maximum impact is achieved by working their local zoos and write letters of international protest campaigns, and with other grass-roots organizations and support for IPPL’s campaigns. IPPL’s conducts investigations into illegal through its own network of field repre- magazine, which has three issues a sentatives, advisory board members and year, emphasizes constructive actions other supporters. Many of IPPL’s partner that readers can take to help primates. organizations are sanctuaries in the Every two years IPPL invites its members native countries of the primates. Sanc- to visit its South Carolina sanctuary to tuaries provide an immediate solution meet and hear presentations by primate for confiscated primates that have been experts from around the world. This illegally traded, which is still a common opportunity to communicate, share learn- practice. Sanctuaries also provide a safe ing, solve issues and network is crucial to haven, immediate triage and rehabilitation the human primate community that works Dr. Shirley McGreal for physically and psychologically tirelessly to protect non-human primates.

As long as there are poachers, animal smugglers and research laboratories, compassionate people need to work together ‘‘to make the world a safer place for primates. —i Dr. Sh rley McGreal 2 ’’  Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA): Collaboration Across Africa The Pan African Sanctuary Alliance has developed various mechanisms institutes, governments, zoos, and (PASA) is based on a similar model to coordinate learning and strengthen donors to further strengthen the of communication and collaboration; capacity between these geographically sanctuary community. As a result, PASA Indeed, IPPL U.K. was instrumental in isolated and logistically challenged sanctuaries have an enhanced profes- its development. Created in 2000, PASA sanctuaries. Annual workshops provide sional profile, and government authorities is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization professional development opportunities and conservation organizations now seek dedicated to strengthening, supporting, for sanctuary directors, veterinarians, PASA’s advice and guidance. This unique and advancing the work of accredited and environmental educators. These collaboration between governments, primate sanctuaries across Africa. PASA’s workshops facilitate communication NGOs and PASA members is being members—African primate sanctuaries— and collaboration between sanctuaries adopted as a model of cooperation across become accredited through a process and other key programs and organiza- continents to strengthen the international that includes on-site inspection and tions. Knowledge and expertise built and sanctuary community. compliance with minimum standards. shared in these workshops has led to Actively working together to accom- Further, best-practice guidelines provide the development of specific manuals for plish a broad common mission can direction in key areas to even higher sanctuary directors, veterinarians, and produce positive change. IPPL and PASA levels of professionalism. Membership education staff and improved standards are clearly demonstrating the impact of provides a benchmark to objectively of care as well as the practice of rein- collaborative action and leadership to verify that accredited sanctuaries exem- troducing primates into the wild. PASA’s address the complexities that challenge plify excellence and meet the standards ability to strengthen individual organi- our non-human primate cousins in the of care that their primate residents zations through building their capacity modern world. deserve. As a direct result, all PASA has earned international acclaim as its To learn more about collaborative member sanctuaries are the only African educators, veterinarians, and caregivers action to save the world’s primates, facilities that are members of the Global have won numerous awards for best visit IPPL at www.ippl.org and PASA at Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. practice. PASA also advocates for www.pasaprimates.org. Currently, there are 20 PASA-accred- sanctuaries and the role they play in Dr. Kay H. Farmer is a primatologist who has ited sanctuaries, spanning 12 African African primate conservation, develop- worked closely with both IPPL and PASA for countries that care for over 1,000 apes ing partnerships with the private sector, over a decade. She is an Honorary Research and about 3,500 primates in total. PASA conservation organizations, research Fellow at the University of Stirling, Scotland.

Collaboration Around the Globe: Countries with IPPL and PASA Participation

United Kingdom

U.S.

Nepal

India Thailand Gambia Vietnam guinea Nigeria Sierra leone cameroon uganda malaysia COLOMBIA Equatorial Guinea Singapore ECUADOR gabon Kenya indonesia congo Democratic Republic of Congo

PERU zambia

australia CHILE International Primate Protection south africa League (IPPL) Supported Projects Pan African Sanctuary Aliance (PASA) Members 3 I

We are all connected. For us, chimpanzees are the focus, ‘‘but it’s not just about the chimpanzees. People need to understand why we need to coexist. Bala Amarasekaran’’ By Rebecca Steinitz Making the Connection at Tacugama

4 5 “I was just trying to save a was a testimony to Bala’s power of With its future relatively secure, the chimp,” says Bala Amarasekaran, persuasion, it also speaks to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is founder of the Tacugama success of the work at the Tacugama moving forward. For example, the Sierra Chimpanzee Sanctuary, “I had no sanctuary because, as it turned out, Leone National Chimpanzee Census idea what would happen.” Today, some of the soldiers had come to has been completed, providing the first Imore than two decades after he education programs at the sanctuary accurate account of the country’s nearly and his wife came across an ailing when they were children. In fact, they 6,000 wild West African chimpanzees, baby chimpanzee for sale in a knew not only its mission but even the second-largest population of one of remote Sierra Leone village, Bala is some of the chimps by name. Africa’s most-endangered chimpanzee the director of a world-renowned Tacugama is deeply attentive to subspecies. Now the sanctuary is program that cares for 100 chim- the community that surrounds it. Bala spearheading efforts to preserve habi- panzees, houses three eco-lodges, operates from the assumption that the tats across the country so chimpanzees provides jobs and economic needs of animals can be met only if the can thrive. development opportunities for the needs of people are met. “We live in a For Bala, chimpanzees are part of a surrounding community, and has very poor country. Conservation issues larger picture. “We are all connected. just taken a significant step toward are secondary. For the people, day-to- For us, chimpanzees are the focus, but expanding the scope of its work day living is what’s important. If the it’s not just about the chimpanzees. by conducting Sierra Leone’s first community doesn’t value your work, People need to understand why we national chimpanzee census. there’s little chance. That’s why need to coexist. We can’t just destroy But when asked about his biggest it has been our policy from the begin- what’s around us because we are accomplishment, Bala is absolutely ning to invest time and resources into hungry. For chimps to live, they need clear: surviving Sierra Leone’s civil war. the community. It’s important for them the forest. The forest is also where “People thought there wouldn’t be to understand what we do, and they people get the water and other things a sanctuary after the war,” he says, need to get some benefit,” he says. they need to live. We need to make but he refused to abandon Tacugama. Today, 90% of the staff at Tacugama that connection for people.” Devoted to the animals under their is local. The sanctuary runs an educa- Bala Amarasekaran and Tacugama care, the staff risked their own lives to tion program that works with 16 local are making that connection. schools as well as a community devel- keep the chimpanzees alive. “At the To watch a video about Tacugama Chimpanzee opment program that focuses on skills moment, it was the right thing to do,” Sanctuary narrated by Bala Amarasekaran and Bala says. “The chimps needed us.” training and job creation, including learn more about the Sanctuary’s projects, visit It’s easy to imagine the threats faced a tree nursery, a bakery, and support www.tacugama.com. by captive chimps—abuse, illness, for local farmers. starvation—but war is one of Africa’s greatest dangers for animals as well as people. Even as their own safety was at stake, the people at Tacugama remained staunch advocates for the animals. According to Bala, “We didn’t take sides. We stayed very neutral. Even when the rebels marched through, we told them what we were doing had nothing to do with politics. We were trying to preserve, we told them. Even if there was a new government, they would still need us.” The power of the message was clear: the young soldiers listened, even as Bala Amarasekaran they marched on to wreak carnage in the next village. When Bala asked one of the soldiers why they had spared the Making the Connection at Tacugama chimpanzees, he replied, “We listened to you, and we understood what you are trying to do.” But if their response

Susan, a resident at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary 5

You can do animal welfare, but if you’re not doing advocacy, ‘‘you’re not doing anything more than running an animal shelter. Connecting People’’ to Conservation

Liza GadsbyBy Rebecca Steinitz

6

Liza Gadsby, co-founder of Pandrillus, an organization dedicated to preserv- ing the drill monkey, chimpanzee, and other West African wildlife, knows exactly what she does. “Our funda- Lmental work is caring for ex-wild animals, and we’re good at it, and we’re very proud of it,” she says. Liza also knows what she wants, say- ing, “My dream, the ideal, is that existing laws are enforced and that these animals are protected in the wild. Then sanctuaries won’t need to exist, and we won’t have to be out there protesting illegal hunting and logging.” While this dream can sometimes seem far away, Pandrillus works on Drill Ranch multiple fronts to bring it to fruition. Drill monkeys, the organization’s primary co-founder Peter Jenkins currently leads but if you’re not doing advocacy, you’re focus, is one of Africa’s most endangered a task force to prevent illegal logging. not doing anything more than running primate species. Pandrillus’ Drill Reha- If Pandrillus brings people together an animal shelter,” she argues. “If you’re bilitation and Breeding Center, popularly in Nigeria, they also serve as a model not doing it in the animals’ native known as Drill Ranch, has successfully in Cameroon, where the Limbe Wildlife habitat, you’re not helping the species. rehabilitated over 80 recovered drills and Centre rescues and rehabilitates numer- When we don’t know what to do, we recorded over 400 births; today, it cares ous primate, reptile, and bird species, ask what is in the best interest of the for 380 drills and trains animal keepers including drill monkeys, the endangered species, not just the individual animals. from as far away as the San Diego Zoo. ellioti chimpanzee, western lowland Taking care of the individual animals The center’s offices, quarantine facilities and Cross River gorillas, and several is easy in comparison,” she says, but for new animals, and veterinary surgery kinds of long-tailed monkeys. Limbe was preserving species in their natural are in Calabar, the capital of Cross River the first wildlife sanctuary in Cameroon; habitat is the goal. State, Nigeria, while a field site at Afi today, it has inspired two other facilities The work at Pandrillus can be Mountain houses drill family groups in for chimpanzees and gorillas. challenging and exhausting. “It’s always their natural habitat. When Pandrillus opened Limbe, discouraging when things don’t move Because its long-term goal is to release Cameroon had a surplus of captive as fast as you’d like them to,” says animals back into the wild, Pandrillus has chimpanzees. In order to promote Liza, “We figured out what we need played a lead role in the creation and large-scale conservation efforts, the to do ten years ago, but we have been management of the Afi Mountain Wildlife needs of these animals had to be handicapped by lack of funds [and Sanctuary, a 100-square-kilometer section addressed. Liza explains, “People don’t staff].” Still, the rewards are many, from of Nigeria’s Afi River Forest Reserve. learn to care about wildlife if all they kilometers of preserved land to the birth Collaboration was key to this effort at see is a starving flea-ridden chimp tied of baby drill monkeys to those moments every level, from education and lobbying to a table leg. It’s a humanity issue when local visitors to one of the sanctu- to law enforcement. Ultimately, the but also a conservation issue. Wildlife aries “have the opportunity to sit in project involved community leaders and groups in Cameroon had been talking a peaceful place and observe a group traditional rulers, the state government, about the importance of preserving of chimpanzees, drills, or gorillas, the Nigerian government, and several animals, but they were ignoring all and they say something wonderful Connecting People to Conservation other NGOs, but it began at home. these animals. The hypocrisy was not that keeps you going for days. You’ve “We started in the villages,” says Liza. lost on the local people. You can’t expect changed one person’s mind.” Valuing “We recruited the best hunter in each them to respect animals and buy into conservation is a step toward achieving village, gave them a salary and uniform, a conservation program if you’re not Liza Gadsby’s dream. and told them we would pay them, the showing respect for individual animals.” Learn more about the work of Liza Gadsby hunters, to protect the area from hunting.” However, Liza feels strongly that Liza and Pandrillus co-founder Peter Protecting the area continues to be a key taking care of individual animals is not Jenkins at www.pandrillus.org and element of Pandrillus’ work; for example, enough. “You can do animal welfare, www.limbewildlife.org.

>> Rebecca Steinitz is a writer, editor and nonprofit consultant in Arlington, Massachusetts. 7 Arcus Foundation E Board of Directors Jon L. Stryker President and Founder Cathy J. Cohen Darren Walker Interim Executive Director Fred Davie

Arcus Foundation Kalamazoo Office 402 East Michigan Avenue Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007 Phone 269.373.4373 Fax 269.373.0277 [email protected]

Arcus Foundation New York Office NEW ADDRESS Bridges built by Arcus grantee LEAP/Hutan in collaboration with the Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation 44 West 28th Street, 17th Floor Project facilitate orangutan habitat expansion in Borneo New York, New York 10001 Phone 212.488.3000 n the Arcus Foundation has named Dr. Yvette C. Burton, an experienced and dynamic Fax 212.488.3010 leader in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, as its new chief executive officer. [email protected] Read more about Dr. Burton on our Web site at www.arcusfoundation.org. n arcus founder Jon Stryker has been recognized for his contributions to primate conser- Arcus Foundation vation. Scientists have named a newly-discovered species of monkey ‘Rhinopithecus Cambridge, UK Office strykeri’, in honor of Jon Stryker’s impact on primate conservation efforts worldwide. Wellington House, East Road Visit our Web site to read the details of the discovery and an interview with Mr. Stryker Cambridge CB1 1BH, United Kingdom about the naming at www.arcusfoundation.org. Phone +44.1223.451.050 [email protected] n please note the Arcus Foundation’s New York office has moved. Our new address is

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