Science

All great apes—gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, and bonobos—are endangered. The United Nations estimates that there are only 450,000 great apes left. Threats to their survival include the expansion of human population, bushmeat poaching, and uncontrolled logging. Many other primates, who are losing their habitat to humans, are also endangered. Fortunately, there are international and national organizations, laws, and guidelines intended to protect primates.

Primates found in zoos may also face risks, such as inbreeding and demographic instability, and are managed cooperatively.

Learn about some of the efforts to protect primates as well as some of the major conservation organizations.

• Gorilla Conservation
• Golden Lion Tamarin Conservation Program National Zoo scientists have led a long-term effort to save the golden lion tamarin from extinction.
• Lemur Conservation
• Primate Conservation Organizations