Tchimpounga Home to More Than 120 Orphan Chimps
Tchimpounga Sanctuary, located near Pointe Noire in the Republic of Congo, is situated on a coastal plain of savannah and galleried mosaic forest patches. In addition to the central 65-acre site, there is an 18,000-acre reserve adjacent to the sanctuary that the government has entrusted the Jane Goodall Institute to maintain. The reserve is patrolled by eco-guards from neighboring villages to prevent poaching of wild chimpanzees in the area.
When Tchimpounga was created in 1992, JGI was responsible for 25 orphan chimpanzees who had been living in dire conditions at two area zoos. Today, the sanctuary is home to more than 120 orphans, making it the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in Africa. Tchimpounga has launched an ambitious reintroduction program to return chimpanzees to the their natural environment. Because JGI is among the first organizations to have a reintroduction program, its efforts could have a far-reaching impact on saving wild chimpanzees from extinction.
The orphan chimpanzees serve as ambassadors: After visiting the sanctuaries, many local people have said that they will never eat or hunt chimpanzees again.
The sanctuaries have expanded their mission to include conservation education, outreach, sustainable development, and community health care programs. This holistic approach will ultimately help protect chimpanzee habitat and threatened species in the wild. The bushmeat trade will not be halted without coordinated efforts by all stakeholders.
Chimpanzees playing together in a playground at Tchimpounga Sanctuary, Congo. © Jane Goodall Institute