In June of 2008, Great Ape Trust of Iowa was inundated with floodwaters. At its crest, the record-setting Floods of '08 covered virtually every square foot of our 230-acre campus. Water levels reached more than two feet inside the bonobo and orangutan scientific research centers as the two ape homes became tiny islands. For nearly two weeks, staff members, ape provisions, equipment and recovery teams were transported solely by boat. Through it all, the apes - some of the world's most endangered animals - remained comfortable, safe and dry.

For the human primates at Great Ape Trust, the experience has been life-changing. Working together for countless hours in unimaginable conditions, we have a new appreciation for our organization and its mission. But more importantly, for those whose lives we've been entrusted: Allie, Azy, Elikya, Kanzi, Knobi, Maisha, Matata, Nathan, Nyota and Panbanisha.

Click here to find the latest updates at our Floods of ’08 blog » View Floods of '08 Timeline Videos: » Great Ape Trust: Flood of 08 » Flood Cleanup Begins » Ape Homes Restored » Floods of '08: Orangutans Slideshows: » Days 1-3 » Days 4-6 » Flooding from the bonobo home rooftop » Cleanup at Great Ape Trust » Floods of '08: Volunteers Pitch In » A Good Day to be an Orangutan Panoramic Photos: » View from atop the orangutan building » View from atop the bonobo building News Releases: » Great Ape Trust emerges stronger after floods test its mettle – June 26, 2008 » Bowling for Apes still on despite flooding – June 26, 2008 » Member tours canceled due to flooding – June 26, 2008 » More volunteer opportunities ahead as Great Ape Trust recovers – June 26, 2008 » Orangutans enjoy outdoor yard for first time since – June 10, 2008 » Volunteers lend assistance to Great Ape Trust of Iowa – June 20, 2008 » Apes homes ‘as clean as the day we moved in’ – June 18, 2008 » Flooding forces Great Ape Trust to cancel 2008 member tours – June 18, 2008 » Ape homes dry; bonobos and orangutans come through ordeal in great shape – June 16, 2008 » Great Ape Trust’s luck improves on Friday the 13th – June 13, 2008 » Great Ape Trust evacuates campus; ape residents safe on higher ground – June 11, 2008