Chimpanzee watching at the Tchimpounga sanctuary
SECURITY
Very safe site, equipped to receive visitors.
LEVEL
Chimpanzees can move quickly through the forest, so tracking requires a certain level of physical fitness.
Chimpanzee watching at the Tchimpounga sanctuary: one-day extension
1 DAY Country: Democratic Republic of Congo
In the primate family, the chimpanzee Pan troglodytes is man’s closest relative: 98% of its genes are identical to our own. Capable of designing and using tools, and with a highly developed social life, it is one of the most intelligent animal species on our planet. In the primate family, the chimpanzee Pan troglodytes is man’s closest relative: 98% of its genes are identical to our own. Capable of designing and using tools, and with a highly developed social life,
In Congolese, chimpanzee means ‘false man’.
Today, the chimpanzee is classified as ‘endangered’ by the IUCN. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were nearly 2 million chimpanzees, but today there are no more than 500,000.
The Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre is the largest sanctuary of its kind in Africa. Since it opened in 1992, more than two hundred chimpanzees have been cared for there. It offers refuge to orphaned primates, all victims of trafficking and illegal trade, whether in bushmeat or pets. It is run by the Jane Goodall Institute.
7.30am: Departure from Pointe Noire for a 1-hour drive to the Port du Bas Kouilou.
8.45am-9.45am: Travel up the Kouilou in a motorised pirogue through the forest towards the Tchimpounga sanctuary. Possibility of birdwatching along the way.
9.45am-11.45am: Chimpanzee feeding and observation: around ten individuals can be seen on the first island during the feeding. Depending on the time of year, a second group may be seen on another island.
11.45am-12.45pm: Return to the Port of Kouilou
Chimpanzee watching at the Tchimpounga sanctuary: one-day extension
1 DAY Country: Democratic Republic of Congo
In the primate family, the chimpanzee Pan troglodytes is man’s closest relative: 98% of its genes are identical to our own. Capable of designing and using tools, and with a highly developed social life, it is one of the most intelligent animal species on our planet. In the primate family, the chimpanzee Pan troglodytes is man’s closest relative: 98% of its genes are identical to our own. Capable of designing and using tools, and with a highly developed social life,
In Congolese, chimpanzee means ‘false man’.
Today, the chimpanzee is classified as ‘endangered’ by the IUCN. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were nearly 2 million chimpanzees, but today there are no more than 500,000.
The Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre is the largest sanctuary of its kind in Africa. Since it opened in 1992, more than two hundred chimpanzees have been cared for there. It offers refuge to orphaned primates, all victims of trafficking and illegal trade, whether in bushmeat or pets. It is run by the Jane Goodall Institute.
7.30am: Departure from Pointe Noire for a 1-hour drive to the Port du Bas Kouilou.
8.45am-9.45am: Travel up the Kouilou in a motorised pirogue through the forest towards the Tchimpounga sanctuary. Possibility of birdwatching along the way.
9.45am-11.45am: Chimpanzee feeding and observation: around ten individuals can be seen on the first island during the feeding. Depending on the time of year, a second group may be seen on another island.
11.45am-12.45pm: Return to the Port of Kouilou
SECURITY
Very safe site, equipped to receive visitors.
LEVEL
Chimpanzees can move quickly through the forest, so tracking requires a certain level of physical fitness.
