Apes
Apes are our closest wild relatives, but we are pushing them to the brink. Today, they 're among the most endangered groups anywhere. WCS continues to help lead the fight to save them.
Why WCS?
18 of 22 species
WCS is leading the effort to stabilize existing populations, working directly to conserve 18 of 22 ape species, including all four subspecies of gorilla and three of four chimpanzee subspecies. We are active in much of the north of the Republic of Congo, where perhaps half of all wild gorillas live in less than 10% of their total range.
1959 study
In 1959, WCS Senior Conservationist George Schaller became the first person to study mountain gorillas in the wild, conducting seminal studies in Africa’s Albertine Rift. In the process, he changed our collective impression of gorillas forever—from fearsome, savage beasts to “gentle giants.”
Related News
-
August 29, 2023
SCIENTISTS: Want to Fight Climate Change? Don’t Poach Gorillas (or Elephants, Hornbills, Toucans, etc.)
Here’s a climate solution we can all get behind: don’t kill elephants. Or poach gorillas – or wipe out tapirs, hornbills, or other large-bodied wildlife that eat fruit and disperse large seeds.
Read the story
-
February 10, 2023
Republic of Congo Expands National Park to Include Gorilla-Rich, Unlogged Forest (English and French)
The “Djéké Triangle,”an unlogged forest rich in Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas, is now part of Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park.
Read the story
-
October 31, 2022
WCS Helps Congo Key in on Critical Wild Areas for Conservation (English and French)
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is building on its long-standing collaboration with the Republic of the Congo's government to work together to identify key biodiversity areas (KBAs) in a country incredibly rich in biodiversity.
Read the story
View All News
SCIENTISTS: Want to Fight Climate Change? Don’t Poach Gorillas (or Elephants, Hornbills, Toucans, etc.)
Here’s a climate solution we can all get behind: don’t kill elephants. Or poach gorillas – or wipe out tapirs, hornbills, or other large-bodied wildlife that eat fruit and disperse large seeds.
Read the storyRepublic of Congo Expands National Park to Include Gorilla-Rich, Unlogged Forest (English and French)
The “Djéké Triangle,”an unlogged forest rich in Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas, is now part of Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park.
Read the storyWCS Helps Congo Key in on Critical Wild Areas for Conservation (English and French)
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is building on its long-standing collaboration with the Republic of the Congo's government to work together to identify key biodiversity areas (KBAs) in a country incredibly rich in biodiversity.
Read the storySign Up for Email Updates
Get news from the field and learn about ways you can help Earth’s most threatened species.