Ape Cognition & Conservation Initiative - ACCI

SCIENCE.
The Ape Cognition and Conservation Initiative is an international scientific destination. Under the direction of Jared Taglialatela, PhD and William Hopkins, PhD our programs aim to enrich the lives of our bonobos and increase our understanding of great apes, improve human health, and help us understand our place in the natural world.

CONSERVATION.
Bonobos are a rare and endangered species with approximately only 200 in captivity worldwide. In the wild, they are found only in the Democratic Republic of Congo. One of our goals as the only research institution in North America housing bonobos and one of only two worldwide is to be diligent in discouraging the image of great apes as pets and seek to promote their conservation in the wild. That is why we are developing a scientifically-grounded conservation education program for students of all ages. Our aim is to work closely with schools and universities to develop a curriculum that teaches students about global stewardship and sustainability. We also work closely with collaborating scientists and educators to assess the efficacy of our program and examine if we are changing people's knowledge as well as their behavior.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.
ACCI is a critical resource for communities and schools. One of our long-term goals is increasing science education, conservation education, and environmental stewardship in our community and beyond. We work closely with elementary and high school educators, as well as university professors to provide our facility and unique population of apes as a resource to supplement and expand existing public school STEM initiatives.