Annual Report and Accounts
Year ended 31[st] December 2023
Ape Action Africa
Year ended 31 December 2023
Report and Accounts
Charity information
Principal office address: Guthrie Road Clifton Bristol BS8 3HA Trustees: Mr I Bickerstaff Chair Ms V Luke Ms C McLaney Treasurer Bankers: Triodos Bank Deanery Road Bristol Barclays Bank West Kirby Wirral Merseyside SCB Cameroun SA Siege Social Avenue Monseigneur Vogt BP 700 Yaoundé Cameroon
Registered charity number: 1057061
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Ape Action Africa
Year ended 31 December 2023
Trustees’ report
1. Introduction
The Cameroon Wildlife Aid Fund was established under its constitution on 17th July 1996 as a registered charity and changed its name to Ape Action Africa in 2009. The registered charity number is 1057061.
2. Objects
The objects of the charity are to:
Relieve the suffering of non-human primates in Cameroon who need care and attention and in particular to provide and maintain a primate rescue centre, hospital and other facilities for the care and treatment of such sick or ill-treated animals.
To advance the education of the public into the conservation, care and treatment of such animals.
3. Officers and trustees
The Trustees are:
Mr Ian Bickerstaff Ms Victoria Luke Ms Caroline McLaney Treasurer Dr Sharon Redrobe Resigned 4.11.2023
Dr Jane Goodall is the president of the charity.
Eran Moas has accepted the honorary role of President from October 2023 and we welcome his ongoing support as a key member of the Cameroonian community and with government liaison.
Dr Sharon Redrobe resigned from the board on 4 November 2023. Sharon has worked tirelessly for the charity over many years and she has been a key member of the vet team, including many operations on our primates in Cameroon. Her veterinary support over the years has been invaluable and her expertise will be missed both by the board and our team in Cameroon.
The board and the team in Cameroon wish Sharon well for the future.
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4. Review of Activities in Cameroon
Overview
Despite financial challenges due to the global economic situation and our subsequent limited resources, we had a productive year thanks to the efforts of our staff members and management team. We have successfully continued caring for all our primates, carried out routine and emergency veterinary procedures, completed routine repairs and maintenance, completed some pre-planned construction tasks and continued our education programme.
Primate Numbers
As of 31 December 2023, we provide sanctuary for 25 western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), 116 chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes ellioti and troglodytes), and 144 monkeys - 44 guenons, 45 mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx), 27 olive baboons (Papio Anubis), 6 red-capped mangabeys (Cercocebus torquatus) and 22 agile mangabeys (Cercocebus agilis).
Rescued primates
In January, a male chimpanzee of approximately 13 years of age was transferred from MvogBetsi Zoo to AAA. This individual was rescued by MINFOF officials following reports of a chimpanzee frequently visiting the village of Mandoumba in the Central Region of Cameroon. The chimpanzee was likely an ex-pet who either escaped or was released as he was very habituated to humans.
In May, a juvenile male mandrill of approximately two years of age was confiscated by MINFOF officials near the eastern boundary of the Dja Faunal Reserve. Staff from the Tikki Hywood Foundation, also situated in Mefou, were working in the area at the time and transported the mandrill to AAA. The young male had been kept in a small cage in a village for an unknown period of time and was ill on arrival. Despite our vet team’s best efforts, he succumbed to the illness a few days after rescue.
A juvenile female spot-nosed guenon arrived at the sanctuary late in June. During an educational lesson at the sanctuary, a student informed AAA’s Head of Education of the whereabouts of a monkey that was being kept as a pet. MINFOF officials were subsequently informed, and the monkey was swiftly confiscated and brought to AAA. She spent some time in the quarantine area of the sanctuary before being successfully integrated into a troop. This is a remarkable story, showing the impact and success of the education programmes. We would like to thank MINFOF for their collaboration and quick response.
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Construction
The construction of a new forested gorilla enclosure was completed in April. The enclosure currently houses eight western lowland gorillas.
As an extra security measure, wired mesh was installed around another one of the chimpanzee enclosures in May and an additional layer of wired mesh was fitted to two of the three high security guenon enclosures. These measures greatly decrease the likelihood of escapes.
Chimpanzee enclosure with newly fitted wired mesh
Following the construction of new baboon satellite cages in 2022, we have now built a tunnel connecting the old and new satellite cages. This allows us to distribute the baboon troops across more satellite cages when needed, decreasing the likelihood of conflict.
With funds raised by our previous Deputy Director, Larry Taylor, we were able to construct two new climbing platforms at two of the juvenile chimpanzee enclosures in June 2023, one of which is shown in the photo below.
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The replacement of the foundation at one of the older chimpanzee enclosures was finished in July 2023.
It was noted during the year that some of the foundations of other enclosures had also started deteriorating. The replacement / reinforcement of these foundations began towards the end of 2023 and was completed in the first half of 2024.
Photos showing the foundation at the baboon enclosure where an additional layer of bricks is being added to support the old foundations.
Construction of our new high security chimpanzee enclosure began in 2021 but had to be put on hold due to illegal deforestation in the area. In 2023 we were able to restart the project. Two of the five satellite cages were completed, and the roof was installed.
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Year ended 31 December 2023
Photos showing the progress of the satellite cages of the high security chimpanzee enclosure.
In August the addition of a new room to the agile mangabey satellite cages was completed. This allows us to divide the individuals across more rooms when needed, decreasing the likelihood of conflict.
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Year ended 31 December 2023
The new room of our Agile satellite cages
The bridge that crosses the river within the sanctuary was repaired in September. Our construction team made quick work of replacing the wooden beams and planks to ensure vehicles, motorbikes and people can cross the bridge safely. Fortunately, the metal beams that support the wood were still in good condition and did not need to be replaced.
During the year, the construction team have also completed many routine repairs of satellite cage systems, fences and buildings across the sanctuary.
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Integrations and Transfers
In February we completed the integration of a juvenile male and a juvenile female mandrill into one of our mandrill groups.
In March we started the integration of seven western lowland gorillas (three subadults and four juveniles) at our newest forested gorilla enclosure. The introductions took place in the satellite cages until construction of the enclosure was completed, after which the process continued inside the enclosure. Following the successful completion of this integration, we decided to also introduce a young juvenile, female gorilla from the baby group so that one of the older females could act as a surrogate mother. This integration started in July and has since been completed. All eight of these gorillas now share the new forested enclosure.
A male crowned guenon was integrated with a group of guenons in one of the high security enclosures in April.
After installing additional wired mesh around one of the chimpanzee enclosures in May, we were able to start with the reintroduction of a male chimpanzee who had previously escaped through the electrified fences. Although put on hold for a time due to an injury sustained by the male, the reintroduction progressed well and was completed in early 2024.
In early 2023, an adult chimpanzee with special requirements was being bullied by some of the other chimpanzees in his group. It was decided to transfer him to a different enclosure, along with a juvenile male chimpanzee from his group. They were successfully introduced to three other young chimpanzees in April. Another young male chimpanzee who arrived at the sanctuary in 2022 was also successfully integrated into this group in August.
Due to the frequent conflicts in one of the guenon groups, a male mona monkey had to be removed from his enclosure as he was constantly involved in conflicts and sustained numerous injuries. He is currently being housed in one of the satellite cages and will eventually be integrated into another guenon troop where the social dynamics are more favourable.
In August a male spot-nosed guenon sustained some injuries after being involved in a fight. After receiving treatment at the veterinary clinic, he was taken back to his group but refused to leave the satellite cage. Due to this, it was decided that he should be transferred to another guenon enclosure where he was introduced to another male spot-nosed guenon. The two
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were integrated successfully and have subsequently been integrated with the rest of the guenon group in their enclosure.
Also in August, we decided to separate a male spot-nosed guenon from his group after it was observed that the male was being prohibited from accessing food by one of the other guenons for multiple days. This male has since been introduced to another male spot-nosed guenon.
Education and Visitors
Our conservation education programme continued in 2023 and incorporated a new series of lessons focusing on forests, wild meat and conservation. Our education team reached 432 children from seven schools around the sanctuary, including a new school which joined the programme.
The first visit of 2023 by the Wandering Bus Programme in collaboration with Prague Zoo took place on 25 May. 140 children came to the sanctuary over the course of seven separate visits. The success of the program was emphasised when it led to the rescue of a spot-nosed guenon, as described earlier. Confiscations can often be difficult as individuals frequently do not want to hand over pet primates. In this instance it was reported that MINFOF faced no opposition as the child who attended our education class had spoken to the residents of the village about why monkeys should not be kept as pets.
Our tour guides continue to welcome and educate both national and international visitors to the park. We received 2783 local and 2366 international visitors. Although visitor numbers will not reach pre-COVID numbers due to group size limitations we have put in place, we have noticed an increase in the number of visitors over the course of the year.
Fundraising
On 19 May 2023, the British High Commission in Yaoundé hosted a fundraising dinner on behalf of Ape Action Africa. The evening was very successful and over £4,000 was raised for the sanctuary. This was our first in-country event of this sort, and we hope to have more events like this in the future to grow support and raise more awareness within Cameroon.
Volunteers and Internships
Our international volunteer programme reopened in March. A number of previous volunteers returned to Ape Action Africa in 2023, and we also welcomed four new international volunteers to the sanctuary.
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Year ended 31 December 2023
In 2023 we hosted several interns in our veterinary department: two veterinarians (one local and one international), a local veterinary student, and a veterinary nurse from Mvog-Betsi Zoo in Yaoundé. All benefitted from further training by our Head Veterinarian Dr Julieta Mota and her team. We also hosted a local student that completed an internship with our education team.
We were fortunate to have Dr Karina Flores assist in our veterinary department for two months and want to thank her for assisting and sharing her experience and expertise with our team.
New staff members
We welcomed a new Cameroonian veterinarian, Dr Ebeke Edoh, to our vet team and wish him great success for his career at Ape Action Africa.
Threats
Cameroon's most significant threats to primate populations are deforestation, hunting and habitat destruction. The hunting and deforestation pressures around the park continue to increase. During the year, we noted multiple areas just inside the boundaries of the park where trees have been cleared and farms started. An additional concern is that alongside the deforestation, we frequently note that snares are set up on the boundaries of the farms. Still, our efforts to fight and reduce their impact in the park area continue in collaboration with MINFOF (Ministère des Forets et de la Faune / Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife) and the villages around the park.
For the first time since Ape Action Africa has operated out of Mefou Primate Park, the road leading to the park flooded when the water level of the river rose and flooded some of the surrounding areas. Vehicles were unable to pass for multiple consecutive days. This is perhaps an example of the effects climate change is having on rain intensity in the area and might become more frequent in the coming years.
Veterinary department
Our veterinary team has continued to provide excellent healthcare for all our primates. As well as attending to several emergencies, the department carried out routine procedures such as health checks, vaccinations, deworming and changing implants.
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Year ended 31 December 2023
| Deworming | Vaccinations | Health Checks | Implant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gorillas | 0 | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| Chimpanzees | 0 | 12 | 30 | 23 |
| Monkeys | 5 | 4 | 43 | 0 |
Table showing the number and type of procedures performed across the various primate groups.
The most common infectious diseases among the primates this year were viral respiratory infections and amebiasis. Although both were relatively common, no severe cases were observed. The frequency of amebiasis and bacterial skin infections increased this year, especially bacterial skin infections among the chimpanzees. The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus in particular was found to be prevalent among the chimpanzees. It was responsible for skin infections but was also found to have entered inside the tissue of some chimps causing abscesses, a corneal ulcer and some respiratory infections. Amebiasis was observed across all the primate groups but was most frequent in the chimpanzees, followed by the monkeys.
Although tumba fly infections are not uncommon at the sanctuary, an unusually high rate of infection was observed within some of the monkey enclosures. The exact reason for this is not clear, but we expect that it might have been a seasonal occurrence as the number of tumba fly infections greatly decreased in the second half of 2023.
A relatively high occurrence of wounds was reported in the monkeys and the chimpanzees, while a much lower frequency occurred among the gorillas. The majority of these injuries were due to conflicts within groups. Due to their severity, some required surgical intervention with some patients requiring longer than usual wound management. In some cases, wounds were accompanied by orthopedic trauma, but cases of a purely orthopedic nature were also seen. Suture wounds were the most frequent in the monkeys and were very low among the chimpanzees and the gorillas.
It is important to note the increased frequency of abscesses among the primates, particularly among the chimpanzees. Samples were sent to a laboratory for bacterial culture and sensitivity tests, the results of which allowed the veterinary team to decide on the best method of treatment and decrease the potential for antibiotic resistance to develop. As mentioned earlier, the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus was frequently found to be the dominant bacteria in the samples. A disinfectant programme has been put in place to
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specifically focus on decreasing the presence of this bacteria in the satellite cages and to minimise the risk of infection.
Thanks to a collaboration with Limbe Wildlife Centre, we were able to access their ultrasound machine and perform echocardiography in 18 chimpanzees and seven monkeys at the sanctuary. During these scans, the veterinary team examined the reproductive system and various organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys.
Additionally, thanks to a collaboration with Sanaga Yong Chimpanzee Rescue, we were able to use their portable x-ray machine which allowed our veterinary team to perform a radiographic study of a chimpanzee’s skull. He had a middle ear infection (otitis media) in his right ear, which had also spread to some of the surrounding tissue, causing an infection on the right side of his head. The study revealed that the infection had caused some changes to the bones surrounding the affected ear. Despite the antibiotic treatment having to be extended, we were able to transfer the chimpanzee back to his satellite cage to complete treatment while he recovered in the proximity of his group. A final health check indicated that he was recovering well.
Access to equipment such as the ultrasound and x-ray machines, that we do not permanently have at the sanctuary, makes a significant difference. The veterinary team are able to more accurately identify certain ailments, as well as identify potential future ailments and start treatment earlier, improving the overall wellbeing of the primates in our care.
We sadly had twelve deaths at the sanctuary during the year. They were two chimpanzees and ten monkeys (one mona monkey, one agile mangabey, a spot-nosed guenon, two olive baboons and five mandrills). Two of these deaths were due to euthanasia as the primates’ quality of life significantly deteriorated.
Grant application success
We are delighted that the Arcus Foundation have awarded us a grant of $100,000 (£80,000) to help us with our running costs. Two members of the board, Vicky Luke and Ian Bickerstaff, worked hard on the application along with our Director, Rachel Hogan. The team met Arcus in Cameroon and we are so pleased that all the hard work was successful. We look forward to working with Arcus in the future.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude to MINFOF (Ministry of Forest and Wildlife) for their continued support over the years. We would also like to thank all our private donors, volunteers and long-term supporters, who allow us to continue giving the best care possible to the primates who live with us at Mefou Primate Park.
The trustees are extremely grateful to everyone in Cameroon who continues to work so hard. We are also very grateful to our fundraisers who work so hard in their spare time to raise money for the charity. This is a difficult task at the best of times but fundraising during difficult economic conditions worldwide has been, and continues to be, particularly challenging.
Despite the numerous challenges of running a sanctuary as large as Ape Action Africa, we will continue to prioritise the care and rehabilitation of our primates so that they have a positive future with the highest standard of care that they deserve.
Signed on behalf of the board Caroline McLaney Trustee 30 October 2024
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Ape Action Africa
Year ended 31 December 2023
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Ape Action Africa
I report on the accounts of the Ape Action Africa for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 15 to 20.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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the accounts did not accord with the accounting records;
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the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a "true and fair” view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Laurence Morgan Chartered Accountant ICAEW membership number: 9277845
30 October 2024
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Year ended 31 December 2023
Statement of Financial Activities
| Notes Incoming resources Donations 2 Grant Fees received 2 Fundraising 2 Interest received Total incoming resources Resources expended Animal care 3 Staff costs 3 Infrastructure costs 3 Education programme Community support 3 Administrative expenses 3 Fundraising costs 3 Website hosting Finance charges 3 Total resources expended Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
2023 2022 £ £ £ £ Unrestricted Restricted 283,452 9,340 292,792 360,560 0 80,141 80,141 0 36,552 36,552 27,968 12,770 12,770 43,353 468 468 18 |
|---|---|
| 333,242 89,481 422,723 431,899 |
|
| 87,261 87,261 83,584 199,526 199,526 181,582 88,532 88,532 96,947 2,076 2,076 4,752 1,551 9,340 10,891 15,683 11,490 11,490 12,384 2,905 2,905 21,688 108 108 790 3,452 3,452 -1,145 |
|
| 396,901 9,340 406,241 416,265 |
|
| -63,659 80,141 16,482 15,634 |
|
| 113,323 0 113,323 97,689 |
|
| 49,664 80,141 129,805 113,323 |
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Year ended 31 December 2023
| Balance Sheet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | ||
| Current assets | |||
| Other debtors and prepayments | 6,507 | 39,741 | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 143,298 | 73,582 | |
| 149,805 | 113,323 | ||
| Creditors: amounts falling due | |||
| within one year | 4 | 8,000 | 0 |
| Total assets less current liabilities | 141,805 | 113,323 | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due | |||
| after more than one year | 5 | 12,000 | 0 |
| Net assets | 129,805 | 113,323 | |
| Charitable funds | |||
| General fund | 49,664 | 113,323 | |
| Restricted fund | 80,141 | 0 | |
| 129,805 | 113,323 |
The financial statements were approved by the board of trustees on 30 October 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
I Bickerstaff Chair
C McLaney Treasurer
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Notes to the Accounts
1) Accounting policies
- a) Basis of preparation
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with:
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Charities SORP (FRS 102): the Statement of Recommended Practice – Accounting and Reporting by Charities, applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102);
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The Charities Act 2022; and
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The historical cost basis of accounting.
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b) Recognition of incoming resources
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:
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the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
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the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and
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the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliably.
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c) Recognition of incoming resources with related expenditure Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA.
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d) Volunteer help
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual report.
e) Foreign currency translation
Transactions denominated in Cameroon francs have been translated to sterling at a rate of 671.76fcfa/£1, being the average rate for the year. Balance sheet items have been translated at the year-end rate of 659.76fcfa/£1.
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Notes to the Accounts
| 2 Analysis of incoming resources Donations Adopt an Ape scheme Volunteer programme Ape Action Africa Inc – transfer of donations Other donations Fees Mefou Primate Park - Visitor fees Fundraising Merchandise costs and postage Gala dinner, London Online auction 3 Analysis of resources expended Animal care Animal food Vet supplies Staff costs Cameroon salaries CNPS and tax Staff medical fees Uniforms Staff training Staff awards Workers’ food Infrastructure Construction and repairs Forest supplies Vehicle maintenance |
2023 2022 £ £ 4,340 3,630 2,822 0 62,176 75,000 223,454 281,930 |
|---|---|
| 292,792 360,560 |
|
| 36,552 27,968 |
|
| 11,912 14,951 0 27,118 858 1,285 |
|
| 12,770 43,353 |
|
| 66,084 70,796 21,177 12,788 |
|
| 87,261 83,584 |
|
| 139,780 128,341 27,943 24,484 756 2,916 1,022 660 372 0 33 147 29,620 25,034 |
|
| 199,526 181,582 |
|
| 55,007 69,959 3,288 3,168 30,237 23,820 |
|
| 88,532 96,947 |
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Notes to the Accounts
| 3 Analysis of resources, continued Community Community support costs support Children of conservation project Administrative expenses Cameroon office and education supplies Sundry expenses Fundraising expenses Events Merchandise purchased Finance charges Bank and fundraising platform fees Exchange differences arising on translation 4 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Other creditors Loan 5 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Loan The loan is interest free, unsecured and repayable over 5 years. The first repayment was made in August 2024. |
2023 2022 £ £ 1,551 4,910 9,340 10,773 |
|---|---|
| 10,891 15,683 |
|
| 10,962 11,565 528 820 |
|
| 11,490 12,384 |
|
| 648 15,045 2,257 6,643 |
|
| 2,905 21,688 |
|
| 945 1,205 2,507 -2,350 |
|
| 3,452 -1,145 |
|
| 5,000 0 3,000 0 |
|
| 8,000 0 |
|
| 12,000 0 |
|
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Notes to the Accounts
6 Restricted funds
| Restricted funds | |
|---|---|
| Fund title Children of conservation Arcus Foundation grant |
Balance B/F Incoming resources Resources expended cf 0 9,340 (9,340) 0 0 80,141 0 80,141 |
| 0 89,481 (9,340) 80,141 |
The children of conservation fund pays for the school fees of the children of staff of Ape Action Africa who otherwise could not afford to send their children to school. The children must achieve target grades to qualify for funding.
The Arcus Foundation grant is restricted to funding our running costs and it was fully expended by September 2024.
7 Related party transactions
None of the trustees received either remuneration or expenses during the year (2022 – £703.90).
Ape Action Africa Inc. transferred $80,000 (£62,176) to Ape Action Africa (2022 – $100,000; £75,000). The transfers from Ape Action Africa Inc. go directly to Cameroon to fund the charity’s running costs. The trustees of Ape Action Africa are the directors of Ape Action Africa Inc.
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