Ape Cognition & Conservation Initiative

Home
United States
Des Moines, IA
Ape Cognition & Conservation Initiative

The Ape Cognition and Conservation Initiative (Ape Initiative) is dedicated to the science, conservation and protection of Great Apes worldwide.
(1)

WHAT IS APE INITIATIVE
The Ape Initiative is the only research facility in the world dedicated to the study and conservation of the species most closely related to humans – the endangered bonobo. The Ape Initiative is a federally-recognized non-profit organization - 501(c)(3) - and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) as a Certified Related Facility. Our programs enrich the li

ves of our bonobos and give us a better understanding of our place in the natural world. Bonobos are an endangered species of African Great Ape with as few as 15,000 - 20,000 individuals in the wild. Understanding bonobo behavior, and how they interact with one another, is critical if we are going to save them. That’s why we developed a scientifically grounded conservation education program for students of all ages. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of scientists and educators by promoting scientific literacy and environmental stewardship.

06/02/2026

As the youngest bonobo at Ape Initiative, and the only bonobo ever born in Iowa, Teco has a lot to look forward to!

Soon, fresh vegetables will begin emerging from our garden. Renovations to our greenhouse will help us provide an even more enjoyable space for the bonobos. And with your support, we are working toward an exciting goal: creating a new outdoor habitat where Teco and his family can explore, forage, and thrive!

Teco’s birthday celebration yesterday reminds us that Teco will need specialized care for the rest of his life. Every meal, enrichment activity, veterinary checkup, and future improvement to his home depends on a community of people who believe he deserves the very best.

The landscape for research and education funding is changing. Ape Initiative’s priorities are not.

No matter what challenges lie ahead, our commitment remains the same: providing exceptional care for Teco, Clara, Mali, Maisha, Nyota, and Elikya, every single day.

Would you consider making a gift to support the future of Teco and his bonobo family?

Your generosity helps ensure that Teco’s next chapter, and the many chapters after that, are filled with opportunity, discovery, and exemplary care.

Thank you for being part of Teco’s story! 💙🫶

https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=XFENBVSH7FVUJ

06/01/2026

Thanks to McMurray Middle School and The Huneycutt Family, Teco’s 16th birthday was a joyous celebration 🎉

The Huneycutts sponsored Teco’s birthday as a way to celebrate McMurray Middle’s hard work, dedication, and outstanding efforts toward conservation! We are so happy to highlight the school’s commitment to protecting wildlife, and grateful that Teco gets to be part of 🫶🌍

Teco chose to have Elikya, Mali, and Clara join in his “Licence to Fly” themed birthday celebration 💙✈️

The bonobos foraged for popcorn, blueberries, watermelon slices, and frozen grapes 🍿🫐🍉🍇

Next up were PVC enrichment tubes stuffed with peanut butter and berry Cheerios!

Teco and his family also enjoyed mulberry browse and roasted sweet potatoes with honey 🍯🍃🍠

Teco brushed his own teeth, chose to participate in husbandry trainings, and used his food preference board to select yummy treats, like peanuts and strawberries 🥜🍓

Help us in thanking McMurry Middle School (part of Metro Nashville Public Schools) and The Huneycutt Family for making Teco’s 16th birthday so special!! 🫶💙

#16

05/29/2026

When it’s Friday 😏🩷😊

05/28/2026

Happy 26th Birthday to Mo!! 💚

Thanks to Joshua Bate and to Emma and Melanie Miller, Maisha had an incredible birthday 🎉

Mo chose to celebrate with the three ladies: Mali, Clara, and Elikya! The bonobos enjoyed yogurt and jelly surprises in the tower and outdoor tunnel and play-yard before heading into the greenhouse for Mo’s “26 years of gains” celebration 💪🏋️

Maisha’s frozen cake included decalf coffee and almond milk and the bonobos also foraged for celery, green onions, stuffed kongs, and chocolate peanut butter ice treats. The kongs were filled with berry cereal, apples, and greens 🫐🍎🥬

Next up were firehose enrichments with bananas and oats! Maisha also brushed his own teeth, and chose to participate in injection and blood sleeve training with his caregivers!

Mo then watched his caregiver watering the bonobos’ garden while eating a frozen apple surprise just for him 😊🪴

Tonight’s dinner forage included 🍉🫑🍅🥬

A huge thank you to Joshua Bate, who is a longtime friend and supporter of the bonobos, and to Emma Miller, who is Maisha’s biggest fan!! 🫶💚

05/27/2026

Happy 16th birthday to Clara!! 🩷

Clara chose to celebrate with Teco and Elikya, and her frozen cake had raspberries, lemons, and clementines 🍋❄️🍊

05/26/2026

How can you say no to these faces? 🥹

Maisha and Clara still need birthday sponsors! Give the gift of joy and support the care of these magnificent bonobos 🎁

Clara turns 16 years old tomorrow, May 27 🩷

Maisha turns 26 years old on Thursday, May 28 💚

Go to apeinitiative.org/store to learn more about sponsoring a bonobo’s day 🫶

05/23/2026

The bonobos’ garden is well underway and Elikya has taken notice! She loves requesting fresh tomatoes, chives, spinach, and carrots from her favorite resting spot in the outdoor tunnels 🍅🥬🥕❤️

05/19/2026

Happy from our resident sweetheart 💙

05/15/2026

Happy Friday from happy Mali! 🧡☀️

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day from Elikya and all of us at Ape Initiative!! ❤️👑💐

Address

4200 Evergreen Avenue
Des Moines, IA
50320

Telephone

+15152433580

Website

http://www.apeinitiative.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ape Cognition & Conservation Initiative posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Ape Cognition & Conservation Initiative:

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Des Moines?