Illegal trade threatening great apes

International trade in illegal wildlife that has driven creatures like the tiger to near-extinction is also threatening the survival of great apes, according to a new UN report.

Endangered chimpanzees, orangutans, gorillas and bonobos are disappearing from the wild as private owners pay top prices for exotic pets, while disreputable zoos, amusement parks and travelling circuses clamour for smuggled primates to entertain audiences.