The chimpanzee, scientifically known as Pan Troglodytes , is the animal kingdom's closest relative to humans. In fact, chimpanzees are more similar to man than they are other apes, and research indicates that the difference between chimpanzees and humans is no more than one or two percent. Chimpanzees are native to Equatorial Africa, and once roamed in their millions across 25 countries in West, Central and East Africa.
Chimpanzees continue to be hunted down and poached in their hundreds each year.
Any chimpanzee babies who survive the hunting ordeal are sold as pets, zoo animals, or circus performers, while others are sold for medical research. For more information regarding bushmeat and the battle to stop this illegal trade, click here .