tchimpounga

Antonio is under the watchful eye of Noel, one of Tchimpounga’s dedicated caregivers. Noel and Antonio even sleep together because baby chimpanzees, like human infants, need the warmth and protection of an adult during the night.

In late May, authorities confiscated an 18-month-old male named “Zola” in Imphondo, which is a town found in the north of Congo. Imphondo is located along the Ubangui River, which flows into the Congo.

Little Anzac, a recent arrival at Tchimpounga, is one of the many victims of the illegal commercial bushmeat trade.  Congolese authorities confiscated her from a poacher before turning her over to the caregivers at the Jane Goodall Institute’s sanctuary.

In the mornings, Anzac loves to make grass angels, similar to the snow angels many human children make during the winter months.  She lies on her back, flapping her arms about and enjoying the feel of the dew-covered ground.

Over the past six months, Tchimpounga has received six more orphaned infants.  As a result, each caregiver is taking care of three or more chimpanzees, which is overwhelming to say the least.

Lemba, a young chimpanzee whose legs are paralyzed from polio, acts as the adoptive mother.  Unlike the caregivers who have 24-hour responsibilities, Lemba’s duties only require that she play with the babies and keep an eye on them during the day. 

Lemba likes to play with her caregivers' shoes. The caregivers at Tchimpounga are very patient and allow the small chimpanzee to nip, hit and hide their sandals.

Mbebo now lives in La Vieille's enclosure.  La Vieille is the nearly 50-year-old female chimpanzee who acts as an adoptive mother to many o f Tchimpounga’s young chimpanzees.  In the enclosure, Mbebo plays with Leki, Makasi, Alex, Ollombo, Mbebo and Mambou. 

Throughout the day, the chimps run and jump without stopping.  On many occasions, they play around La Vieille.  The only time La Vieille can get some rest is during lunchtime when the little chimps sit quietly and eat.