Lousingo is a young male who arrived at Tchimpounga about eight years ago. When the caretakers opened the box he was transported in, they found a small chimpanzee dressed as a person, with trousers and a striped sweater.
Lousingo is a victim of poachers who killed his mother and then sold him as a pet to someone who dressed him like a human baby. Fortunately, Lousingo has recovered from the trauma of his early life and is enjoying life on the island of Tchibebé Island.
Lousingo has always been a bit reserved. He cried a lot when he was little, and his chimpanzee peers pushed him around. But now Lousingo is growing into a strong chimpanzee, and is capable of defending himself. Lousingo occasionally performs displays to show others that he is a strong male, but nobody cares. Everyone knows that Lousingo is still very young and that his displays of strength are just that and nothing more.
Lousingo’s group has a new alpha-male, Loufino. Until recently the alpha male was Kefan, but over the last few weeks Loufino and other chimpanzees united to dethrone Kefan in a revolt. Lousingo stayed on the sidelines and clearly did not want to participate. He was not sure which side to join and preferred to be neutral.
Now that Loufino is the boss, everything has returned to calm. Caretakers have transferred Kefan to Ngombe Island to avoid any more serious aggression.
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