Little JeJe

It is currently the dry session in Congo. At this time of year the sky is almost always overcast and the temperature, especially at night, drops. The added humidity makes the nights unpleasant. Young chimpanzees such as JeJe, are still very small and dependent. For him, it is absolutely necessary to be embraced by a warm body and to hear a heartbeat. Therefore at Tchimpounga, chimpanzee orphans of this age are never alone and always spend the night with a caregiver. While these baby chimpanzees sleep, they sometimes have nightmares, gas in their belly, feel cold or appear restless. For Antonette, who has taken care of orphaned baby gorillas and chimpanzees for more than twenty years, her work is more than a profession. It is her passion. And caring for infants is what she loves to do most. She always says that she cares for the baby chimpanzees at night just as she did while her own children were little. It is very important, even essential, for JGI to have such committed and professional workers like Antonette in the Tchimpounga team to ensure the little chimpanzees get a second chance at life.