Photo: Google Earth
According to the Ape Cognition and Conservation Initiative's Facebook page, two incidents of vandalism and break-ins have occurred at the Ape Cognition and Conservation Initiative facility in Des Moines in less than a week.
The facility’s guard shack window was shattered Thursday morning, and several pieces of equipment were stolen on Saturday August 27th. No apes were injured in either of the incidents.
There have been multiple cases of vandalism, trespassing, and criminal activity around the sanctuary for years. The sanctuary has had issues in the past with reckless drivers speeding down the dead end road on S.E. 44th Street where the facility is located.
Both incidents are still under investigation and no arrests have been made.
The Ape Initiative is the only research facility in the world dedicated to the study and conservation of the endangered great ape species bonobos.