About Akatia
The first primate conservation NGO in Côte d'Ivoire
Founded in 2017 by Estelle Raballand and Sarah Crawford, Akatia is an Ivorian NGO dedicated to primate conservation and forest protection.
We rescue chimpanzees and small monkeys from illegal trafficking and poaching to rehabilitate them to the wild within our two rescue centres — the first in Côte d'Ivoire.
“We strive to do everything in our power so that there is never another Nemley Junior.”
— Estelle Raballand & Sarah Crawford, co-founders
It all starts with Nemley Junior
It all starts with Nemley Junior, a baby chimpanzee victim of illegal wildlife trafficking, rescued by Interpol in dramatic circumstances. Unfortunately, without a proper rehabilitation center in Côte d'Ivoire, he died six months after his rescue.
This heartbreaking and revolting story highlights a critical problem: Côte d'Ivoire has become the strategic hub of illegal wildlife trafficking in West Africa.
Faced with this unjust and dramatic situation, Estelle Raballand and Sarah Crawford made an unprecedented decision: to create the first two primate rescue centres in Côte d'Ivoire. Thus, in 2017, Akatia was born.
Our values
Fieldwork
We live and work in the forest, as close as possible to the animals' natural environment. No air-conditioned offices, no theory: it's concrete, daily, total commitment.
Science
Our rehabilitation protocols are rigorous, documented, and continuously improved through our scientific and institutional partners.
Human
We believe in sustainable coexistence between humans and nature. Community awareness is at the heart of our approach.