OUR HISTORY

Ape Initiative was founded in December of 2013. At that time, the Great Ape Trust – also known as the Iowa Primate Learning Sanctuary – asked Ape Initiative to assume the responsibility for the management and care of the bonobos residing in Des Moines, Iowa. Due to years of mismanagement by the previous administration, the facility was left in disarray, the organization was in significant debt, and most importantly, the well-being of the bonobos was severely neglected. Since that time, Ape Initiative - with generous support from Kennesaw State University - has worked tirelessly to stabilize the organization, standardize the care and management of the bonobos, and initiate an innovative and sustainable research program.