Our History — Ape Initiative

OUR HISTORY Ape Initiative was founded in December of 2013 to rescue the bonobo family residing in Des Moines, Iowa. The bonobos were moved to the Des Moines facility in 2005 under what would be called The Great Ape Trust. After years of operation, The Great Ape Trust turned over the care of the bonobos to a new administration operating as the Iowa Primate Learning Sanctuary. In 2013, the Iowa Primate Learning Sanctuary asked Ape Initiative to assume responsibility for the management and care of the bonobos. Sadly, the facility was in disarray, the organization owed significant debts, and most importantly, the well-being of the bonobos was neglected. Since that time, Ape Initiative has worked tirelessly to stabilize the organization, standardize the care and management of the bonobos, and initiate an innovative and sustainable research program.