Great Ape Trust is anticipating the arrival of eight bonobos from Georgia State University this spring. After the move is complete and the bonobos have had an opportunity to adjust to their new home, Great Ape Trust will provide additional information about when the Ambassador Program will begin. Applications submitted before that time will be kept on file. Please check the website at www.GreatApeTrust.org for future announcements about the program.

The role of a Great Ape Trust Ambassador is to communicate our mission to a wide variety of audiences in tour or classroom settings. The mission of Great Ape Trust is to study the intelligence and behavior of great apes, provide sanctuary and an honorable life for great apes, advance the conservation of great apes, and provide unique educational experiences about great apes. 

Ambassadors are volunteers who provide audiences with quality information about Great Ape Trust, including information on cognitive and behavioral research programs, natural histories of great apes, conservation programs, the status of great apes in the wild, and great ape welfare issues (such as the use of apes in entertainment).

Ambassadors should be able to effectively communicate information to diverse audiences, so the style, level of complexity, and delivery must be flexible and appropriate for each specific group (e.g., university students versus fifth graders, etc.).

Applicants must be at least 16 years old, and the selection process for the program will include an interview with staff from Great Ape Trust. Ambassadors must be TB negative (based on annual testing), and must complete a training course taught by Great Ape Trust staff. Ambassadors must attend regular meetings and future training sessions, most of which are likely to be held during evenings and weekends in the Des Moines area. Ambassadors must be willing to commit to a regular schedule, and may be asked to assist with special events. Click the icon below to apply to become a Great Ape Trust Ambassador.