Chimpanzees in the forest
Open areas of trees and grass.
Lileluba — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Liz Bridges lizmunrobridges — CC0 · Prabir K Bhattacharyya — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Liz Bridges lizmunrobridges — CC0
Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage is one of the oldest and biggest sanctuaries for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees, located in Zambia's Copperbelt Province. The chimpanzees live in wide natural surroundings, and it gives visitors a rare chance to understand what rescuing and caring for these animals involves. It began in 1983 as a family effort, when David and Sheila Siddle took in a severely injured infant chimpanzee named Pal, brought to their cattle ranch by a game ranger. Pal recovered, word spread, and they were soon overwhelmed with requests to take in more orphans. Many were rescued from poachers and the illegal pet trade, while others came from zoos and circuses. The non-profit Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust was set up in 1995, it is a founding member of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, and the Siddles received the Jane Goodall Award. You see chimpanzees in open areas of forest and grass, moving about, resting and tending their young, with their calls carrying through the trees. Staff explanations help you learn some individual stories. A hippo named Billy has also lived here. The sanctuary lies about 45.1 km from Chingola and 350.6 km from Lusaka in a straight line. Ask about visiting times and activities in advance. Do not feed the animals or go near the fences except as staff direct, since chimpanzees are strong and dangerous. Do not visit if you are ill, as diseases can pass to them.
Open areas of trees and grass.
Care among members of the group.
The injured infant who started it all.
Copperbelt Province, northwest of Chingola, Zambia
No, they are strong and dangerous and can catch diseases, so follow staff directions.
In 1983, when the Siddles took in an injured infant chimpanzee named Pal.