Kauka at Tchimpounga

Tchimpounga is our Sanctuary in the Republic of Congo, created by the Jane Goodall Institute to help care for orphaned chimpanzees, many of whose mothers have been lost to the bush meat trade.

Recently, Brazzaville Zoo had received yet another orphaned infant chimpanzee that Congolese officials had confiscated from a market in the northern Likouala region, where it was being sold as a pet. Brazzaville Zoo does not have the ability to care for infant chimpanzees, as, like human infants, baby chimpanzees require constant care and attention. This meant our colleague Lisa Pharoah had to travel across the Congo from Tchimpounga to Brazzaville immediately.

With the help of the zoo director, the chimpanzee's transfer papers came through quickly, and Lisa flew back to Pointe Noire later that night with Tchimpounga's newest chimpanzee by her side.

The tiny chimp was no more than 10 months old. Lisa could tell this by counting his teeth: four on the top and four on the bottom with two molars just coming in. Because he was so young, it was important to move very quickly to ensure his health and safety. He was suffering from severe respiratory problems, high fever, diarrhoea, parasites, lice, malnourishment, dehydration and a number of other conditions. In short, he was not looking good.

Upon arrival at Tchimpounga, our veterinarian, Rebecca Atencia examined the chimpanzee and began treatment for his many ailments. Because he was so sick, he refused to eat or drink, but Lisa and Rebecca were determined to save this precious little life that had been placed in our care. During the first week, Lisa spent many sleepless days and nights with him to ensure that his condition stabilised. Thankfully, within a few days of receiving antibiotics, they began to see an unbelievable change and he began to play and act like a baby chimpanzee should.

Traditionally, the staff at Tchimpounga name the new arrivals based on either the location from which they came or something related to their condition upon arrival. In the local language, Monokotuba, the word for “dry” is “kauka.” Therefore, the Tchimpounga staff named the little baby Kauka, because he'd been so severely dehydrated when he arrived.

Kuaka is now thriving in the care of his new Congolese caregiver, Lydia . Once he finishes his four-week quarantine period, Kauka will be introduced to his new Tchimpounga family group, which includes N'Goro, Tchivin-gina, Louise and Tambikissa.

Tchimpounga is now the most populated chimpanzee sanctuary in Africa and continues to need your help. Click here if you wish to help further and Adopt a Chimpanzee.