Renowned primate advocate Dr. Sheri Speede will talk about her work and efforts on behalf of imperiled chimpanzees and gorillas of Cameroon as part of a special presentation Saturday, March 30, at the Shaw Island Community Building, beginning at 1 p.m.

Founder of the Great Ape advocacy organization, In Defense of Animals-Africa, and author of “Almost Human: What 73 Chimpanzees Taught Me About Life, Love and Connection,” Speede lived side-by-side in Cameroon, Africa, from 1998-2011 on a mission to ensure the survival of endangered chimpanzees and gorillas. Her book, which recounts those experiences in vivid detail, is due out later this year.

Working in concert with the government of Cameroon, Speede and her staff created a sanctuary for chimpanzees orphaned by the devastating effects of the ape-meat trade that prevails in many parts of Africa, from where they also provide care to gorillas and chimpanzees still living free in Cameroon’s forests.

Donations will be accepted at the door.