A future for "Chikwangue" the little Chimp
Donation protected
On our latest research mission to DRC we met this little fellow.
This little male chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), who we playfully named “Chikwangue”, was orphaned a few months ago when poachers trapped and killed his parents. Chikwangue ended up on the market to be sold as a pet and was fortunately purchased by the well-meaning family of one of our colleagues.
While his new family probably saved his life by offering him a safe home away from the cages at the market, it was clear that Chikwangue would one day grow and that the garden of an urban family’s home was only a temporary solution. Like human children, ape children learn in a social context, by watching and imitating adults. Chimps that grow up apart from a normal group fail to learn the nuances of chimp etiquette, and are likely to behave abnormally. Additionally, an adult chimp can be a very dangerous pet given its unpredictable behaviour, incredible strength, and sharp teeth. As pets, these animals commonly inflict severe injuries on their adult owners.
After weeks of discussion and negotiation, the “owners” of our little friend took the sage advice to entrust him to the Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center (South-Kivu, DRC).
Since then, Chikwangue has taken a journey from Kisangani to South-Kivu and is in good hands now. Chikwangue is frightened and is adjusting to his early days at the center but he is slowly getting used to his new home. Soon, he will meet the other chimps and take his place in a new family. Until then, he needs to pass the quarantine period, where he is receiving 24-hour care.
The weather in South-Kivu is cooler than Chikwangue’s lowland forest home near Kisangani and it is taking him some time to adapt. The long journey from forest to cage to garden to Lwiro has imparted tremendous stress on him. These are just some of the challenges these little ones face. Fortunately, we are told by the keepers at Lwiro that Chikwangue has a good appetite, is very gentle, and that he likes to play and laugh. We are all very happy knowing that Chikwangue has a chance at better future.
Chikwangue’s journey from Kisangani to Lwiro required expensive travel by air, water, and land, various accommodations along the way, and the accompaniment of one of his previous family members to keep him calm. Any help with recuperating these costs would be greatly appreciated and would encourage similar rescues in the future.
This little male chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), who we playfully named “Chikwangue”, was orphaned a few months ago when poachers trapped and killed his parents. Chikwangue ended up on the market to be sold as a pet and was fortunately purchased by the well-meaning family of one of our colleagues.
While his new family probably saved his life by offering him a safe home away from the cages at the market, it was clear that Chikwangue would one day grow and that the garden of an urban family’s home was only a temporary solution. Like human children, ape children learn in a social context, by watching and imitating adults. Chimps that grow up apart from a normal group fail to learn the nuances of chimp etiquette, and are likely to behave abnormally. Additionally, an adult chimp can be a very dangerous pet given its unpredictable behaviour, incredible strength, and sharp teeth. As pets, these animals commonly inflict severe injuries on their adult owners.
After weeks of discussion and negotiation, the “owners” of our little friend took the sage advice to entrust him to the Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center (South-Kivu, DRC).
Since then, Chikwangue has taken a journey from Kisangani to South-Kivu and is in good hands now. Chikwangue is frightened and is adjusting to his early days at the center but he is slowly getting used to his new home. Soon, he will meet the other chimps and take his place in a new family. Until then, he needs to pass the quarantine period, where he is receiving 24-hour care.
The weather in South-Kivu is cooler than Chikwangue’s lowland forest home near Kisangani and it is taking him some time to adapt. The long journey from forest to cage to garden to Lwiro has imparted tremendous stress on him. These are just some of the challenges these little ones face. Fortunately, we are told by the keepers at Lwiro that Chikwangue has a good appetite, is very gentle, and that he likes to play and laugh. We are all very happy knowing that Chikwangue has a chance at better future.
Chikwangue’s journey from Kisangani to Lwiro required expensive travel by air, water, and land, various accommodations along the way, and the accompaniment of one of his previous family members to keep him calm. Any help with recuperating these costs would be greatly appreciated and would encourage similar rescues in the future.
Fundraising team: CongoFlux-Team (2)
Thomas Sibret
Organizer
Ghent
Travis Drake
Team member
