Give Orphaned Chimpanzees More Room To Roam!

Mambou's life has recently taken an unexpected turn! This young chimpanzee was chosen, along with others of his group, to live in freedom on the islands of Tchimpounga. Around 50 chimpanzees, along with Mambou, were transferred to the facilities on the island of Tchindzoulou. There, Mambou is being integrated with other chimpanzees of different ages and social status with the aim of creating a large cohesive group. JGI caregivers are doing a great job getting so many individuals to accept on another.
 

The housing facility is subdivided into several rooms connected by sliding doors. This allows caregivers to perform integrations safely, individual by individual. Mambou has managed to handle these difficult times well. He has subdued the dominant males and has been able to form alliances with other chimpanzees.

Fortunately for him, his friend Mbebo has always been close. The two were transferred the same morning from the main sanctuary site to the island. The crate carrying Mambou was transferred from the boat to the bedroom by the caretakers. They carried it inside their room and opened the door. When Mambou left, all the other chimpanzees that were in the adjoining rooms began to shout and to knock on the walls. Mambou was a little frightened, as he did not know where he was or why they had brought him there. In a few minutes the box arrived with his friend Mbebo, and they put him in the next room. When Mbebo came out of the box, he ran to the gate that separates the two rooms to greet his friend Mambou.

During the following days, these two friends were integrated with the other chimpanzees successfully. In a few days, they will be able to take their first walk through the immense forest of the island. This will be part of their training for the next stage of potential release.