Ape Taxon Advisory Group®

Apes—bonobos, chimpanzees, gibbons, gorillas, orangutans and siamangs—are found in over 120 AZA institutions throughout North America and Mexico. The primary mission of the Ape TAG is to coordinate the management of the captive ape population. Specifically, the Ape TAG was responsible for deciding which of the 20 species of apes found in Africa and Asia would live in AZA institutions and now works in conjunction with the individual Species Survival Plans to ensure these captive populations will be properly managed to secure their long-term future. Additionally, the Ape TAG sets priorities for how captive populations of apes will educate zoos visitors and contribute to the conservation of their wild counterparts.