Africa Programs

Chimpanzee Sanctuaries

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In most countries it is illegal to take endangered species like chimpanzees from the wild. In cooperation with African governments we are ensuring that illegally held chimpanzees are confiscated from poachers or market vendors and placed in sanctuaries.

JGI supports chimpanzee sanctuaries which currently house more than 200 orphaned chimpanzees. These sanctuaries provide a safe refuge where chimpanzees can be cared for and given the chance to live reasonably full lives in spacious conditions.

The sanctuaries also create local jobs and serve as important hubs of community-centred conservation and environmental education activities. Unfortunately, the bushmeat trade means that there is a steady influx of new arrivals at our sanctuaries.

Preparing for Reintroduction

Sanctuaries are only a temporary solution. Chimps belong in the Wild.

Given the very real threat of chimpanzee extinction, the release of captive animals into their natural habitat is increasingly being seen as valuable conservation tool. Reintroduction is both a complex and controversial endeavour – and the risk is high. Ultimately, release programs must contribute to the survival of chimps in the wild.

There has been a massive influx of young orphan chimpanzees who have been captured illegally from the wild. Although sanctuaries are a good "band aid" solution in the short term, they cannot provide the needed conditions for the orphans to express their whole range of natural behaviours. While in sanctuary, the orphans often become highly dependant on humans for food and protection, making future reintroduction programs almost impossible.

JGI is conducting preliminary studies on the feasibility of a reintroduction project in the area of our Tchimpounga Sanctuary in the Republic of Congo.

The first step is the creation of a pre-release environment where new arrivals to our sanctuaries will be able to learn how to forage for natural vegetation, build nests, and develop the social bonds necessary for their survival in the wild.

Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Congo

Africa’s largest sanctuary is home to more than 150 chimpanzees orphaned through the bushmeat trade. JGI Canada provides significant funding for daily sanctuary operation, grounds expansion, and the feasibility study of reintroducing sanctuary chimps back into the wild. Educational programming in villages adjacent to Tchimpounga are also underway.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Uganda

Located on an island in Lake Victoria, this sanctuary provides excellent care for 44 rescued chimpanzees, and growing. Run by the Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust, CSWCT also contributes to public awareness of conservation issues and engages communities living alongside chimp populations.