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But why should we be surprised? Too often, efforts to save the
great apes have been designed without measurable standards
or indicators that might lead to tangible results. A system
that lacks accountability and does not monitor its progress is
doomed to fail.
Meanwhile, organized criminal networks choose a more re-
sults-oriented approach and are busy in an ever-growing ille-
gal trade in great apes. This international trade, whether for
bushmeat or for the pet market, is sophisticated and linked to
other forms of crime, such as drugs and arms trafficking. The
illegal trade in apes has little to do with poverty. It is instead
generated by the rich and powerful.
Recent investigations reveal that major ape dealers have each ex-
ported hundreds of apes. This number is only a fraction of the
total number of apes captured for the live trade, as apes are prone
to high mortality rates during the trafficking process. Despite be-
ing known to local authorities and to international institutions,
these criminals roam free, relying on a system of corruption and
complicity that allows them to operate with relative impunity.
There is a large gap between our declarations and our actions. If
there is any hope to ensure the conservation of great apes, it lies in
a major paradigm shift. So let us stop the talking and refocus our ef-
forts on what matters: enforcement. Let us make 2013 the year that
we begin counting the number of major ape dealers behind bars.
Ofir Drori
Founder, Last Great Ape Organization
PREFACE
To date, conservation efforts have failed the great apes. Year after year, conferences and
seminars celebrate a “renewed” engagement to save the great apes, which leaves the par-
ticipants, as well as the public, with a feel-good sense of optimism. Then, year after year,
we are surprised that conservation efforts barely affect the race towards extinction.
Recent investigations reveal that
major ape dealers have each exported
hundreds of apes. This number is
only a fraction of the total number
of apes captured for the live trade.