20 years. Hundreds of primates. 1 mission: end the illegal trade of primates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

On April 6th, 2006, the story of J.A.C.K. Primate Sanctuary began when Jak, a baby chimpanzee, was spotted for sale on the back of a bicycle in Lubumbashi. He was the very first chimpanzee to be confiscated and entrusted into the care of Franck and Roxane. They had no idea that saving Jak’s life would change theirs forever.

The past 20 years have been monumental for J.A.C.K. Primate Sanctuary. What began with one chimpanzee rescue has led to over 70 critical rescue missions and hundreds of lives saved. J.A.C.K. Primate Sanctuary participated in the largest international seizure of monkeys in African history and has successfully eradicated chimpanzee trafficking within Lubumbashi, the second largest city and largest wildlife trading hub in the DRC.

The sanctuary’s success in fighting the illegal trade has made them targets for multiple attacks, including the arson fire that claimed the life of Jak & Tuozo and the chimpnapping of Monga, Hussein, and Cesar. Despite these cruel attempts at hindering their work and breaking their spirit, Franck, Roxane, and the J.A.C.K. Primate Sanctuary  team persevered. They have continued their work in other parts of the DRC, still determined to end the illegal trade of primates.

The sanctuary is currently home to 46 chimpanzees and over 140 other primates–all survivors of the illegal wildlife trade. They are in the process of expanding, building a 4th chimpanzee habitat to accommodate the rapidly growing infant group. 

Looking to the next 20 years, Franck and Roxane plan to remain dedicated to their mission: end the illegal trade of primates within the DRC. They hope to watch their country transform into a place of peace–a place where the rescues of the sanctuary can run free in protected forests where they belong