Aaron and Boumba

Aaron (left) and Boumba, 15-year-old males who were orphaned as infants by poachers, have lived in the same social group at Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center since 2002. Both were adopted as babies by elder female Bouboule, who looked after and supported them throughout their adolescence and is still important to both of them. Aaron and Boumba are of the same subspecies, Pan troglodytes troglodytes, and the big difference in their appearance shows the wide variation in their subspecies. Both are kind, likable chimpanzees. Aaron is now the alpha male in their group of seven.

Photos courtesy of Director Sheri Speede.