Cameroon is one of the last places on earth still home to wild gorillas and chimpanzees. Sadly, much of the local population is unaware of this rich biodiversity and has never even seen a live gorilla. This lack of knowledge and appreciation makes achieving conservation action in the area a great challenge. Luckily, an organization called Ape Action Africa is focusing its efforts on bringing gorillas and chimpanzees back from the brink of extinction.

The orangutan is a highly intelligent member of the Great Apes – but this brightly colored animal rarely gets the respect it deserves – a fact that has left the species threatened with extinction in both Sumatra and Borneo. Public perception of the orangutan in that area is either that of an animal of little consequence, a pest responsible for agricultural damages, or simply a cute little ape that can be kept as a pet for entertainment.

Known for the beautiful mane of golden fur that surrounds its black face, the Cat Ba Langur (also called as the golden-headed langur) has become one of the rarest species in the world.

The cotton-top tamarin is a small species of monkey - known for the shock of long white hair that flows over its head. These unique looking creatures spend their time in the tree-tops of forests from Costa Rica to Columbia. Despite their remote locations, the effects of the modern world are threatening their existence – with deforestation stealing 75 percent of their natural habitat. Sadly, it’s estimated that today there are only about 2000 cotton-top tamarins left in the world.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay welcomed two endangered baby red-ruffed lemurs on April 21. The babies can be viewed by guests in Jambo Junction, where they reside with their mother and father, Maditra and Bozeny.