Amanka Stories, Saving The Last Apes by Lou Grossfeldt

Amanka is a word used by people living in the rural north west of Uganda.

It’s a beautiful, rich word that means “family”. Yet, in the forests and villages of this part of Uganda and across much of tropical Africa and Asia, families are at war. In the narrowing margins between forest and farm, human and non-human, there is a growing conflict. A deadly conflict.

Produced by writer, David Blissett and primate curator, Lou Grossfeldt. Amanka Stories celebrates our closest living relatives, by sharing the stories and experiences of the people who are working, fighting, and sometimes risking their lives to save them. We focus on all ape species (gorilla, orangutan, chimpanzee, bonobo and the gibbon family). These are stories of sacrifice, courage and hope; tears and happiness; love and loss. Lou and David speak with people who devote their lives to the conservation and wellbeing of the apes. This includes scientists, researchers, caregivers, vets, filmmakers and conservation advocates. They will give readers a direct insight into the day-to-day heartaches, challenges and joys of working with these intelligent, sentient beings.

‘We wrote Amanka Stories to raise awareness of the plight of our ape family and to share the stories of the unsung heroes who are trying to help them.’

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Or make a donation to help care for the 400+ orangutans at our centres here.