So, who am I, and why did I decide to go to Cameroon?

I studied biology in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Specializing in animal behavior. I've always had a special interest in primates and especially in African primates. I studied reconciliation behavior of chimpanzees in the Arnhem Zoo. The chimpanzee group in Arnhem is very special. Everybody interested in chimpanzees knows the book "Chimpanzee Politics" by Frans de Waal. The book describes the Arnhem colony. I learned a lot about chimpanzee behavior there.

I had a dream. I wanted to go to Africa and work with primates. Like so many others on this planet. But I put my dream aside and started a career as a software consultant.

Then the best thing that could ever happen to me happened. I decided that I wanted to live my dream. I committed to my goal, which was to leave in september 2001. I searched the internet and came across IDA-africa's website. I applied for a volunteer position and I went to Cameroon in october 2001. I made it happen. Never let go of your dreams.

So I went to Cameroon, in central Africa. To the Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center. In the eastern part of Cameroon's central province.