MISSION:
Great Ape Trust of Iowa, formerly known as Iowa Primate Learning Sanctuary, is a world-class research center dedicated to providing sanctuary and an honorable life for great apes, studying the intelligence of great apes, advancing conservation of great apes and providing unique educational experiences about great apes.

SITE LOCATION:
Great Ape Trust is located approximately five miles southeast of downtown Des Moines, Iowa. The project sits adjacent to the Des Moines River on the site of a former sand and gravel quarry.

SIZE:
On 230 acres of lowlands, riverine forest and lakes, Great Ape Trust will be among the largest great ape facilities in North America and one of the first worldwide to include all four types of great ape: bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans for the study of their cognitive and communicative abilities.

PROJECT COST:
Initial phase of the project cost approximately $10 million. Great Ape Trust Founder Ted Townsend guaranteed payment of phase one. The funding of subsequent phases and Great Ape Trust operations will be maintained through private donations, earned income and endowment.

TIMELINE:
Groundbreaking and site preparation began in June of 2003 with construction commencing later that year. Two orangutans and eight bonobos are currently at the site.

OFFICES:
Great Ape Trust of Iowa
4200 S.E. 44th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50320
(515) 243-3580
(515)243-8997 (fax)

FOUNDER:
Ted Townsend
Townsend Engineering
Des Moines, Iowa

DR. SUE SAVAGE-RUMBAUGH
Director of Bonobo Research
srumbaugh@greatapetrust.org

DR. ROBERT SHUMAKER
Director of Orangutan Research
rshumaker@greatapetrust.org

DR. BENJAMIN BECK
Director of Conservation
bbeck@greatapetrust.org

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS:
Al Setka
asetka@greatapetrust.org