TOTO hadn't seen another chimpanzee for 24 years.  How would he react to his new companions?

MADONNA a young female, had also arrived in 2003.  It was decided to introduce Toto to Madonna.

Astonishment and bewilderment showed in Toto's eyes, the body language was hesitant and nervous.

Madonna looked at Toto, opened her arms wide and as Toto approached her, she closed him in, cuddling him.  He put his head on her shoulder and has been with her ever since.  He is now a happy and much healthier chimpanzee who loves to wash things, especially a plate once it has had food on.  

In the remote north of Zambia, close to the headwaters of the Kafue River, Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage and Chimpanzee Sanctuary has become home to over a 100 orphaned chimpanzees from all over the world.

Chimfunshi became a sanctuary in 1983 when a ranger brought a chimpanzee that had been badly wounded by poachers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to David and Shelia Siddle.  Now there are over 100 chimpanzees being cared for by Shelia and her daughter Sylvia.  David died in 2006, aged 78, after 23 years dedicated to the care and well-being of these extraordinary animals who with 99.6% of human genes, are our closest living relatives. 

Shelia and David Siddle were awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 2001 for their commitment to wildlife, and have received numerous other awards.  They have battled poachers, lived through civil wars, economic strife and political instability.  They have had to cope with corruption and bureaucracy, all to give chimpanzees, and other wild animals, a home in which to live safely without fear and ill-treatment. 

At this stage Chimfunshi is one of the very few successful centres of it's kind in the world as it survives on the financial support of Shelia, her family and well wishers, whilst most other sanctuaries rely heavily on international wildlife conservation agencies. 

Happiness to a chimpanzee is being able to swing through the trees, play with each other, know that they will sleep warmly and be well fed.  What a change for those that had to perform in bars for their supper, live in tiny cages where they could not even stand up straight.  Where their diet was so wrong they lost (or had removed!) their teeth, where so many of them either partially or completely lost their sight. 

Chimpanzees have come from all over the world including Israel, Spain, a circus in Germany, East Africa, and when Jane Goodall wanted a safe haven for a mature female chimpanzee who would not have fitted in with her centre at Ngamba, she sent Milla to Chimfunshi.

Small enclosures house the youngsters and newcomers until they form family groups, when they move to the larger paddocks of 500 acres each, surrounded by electric fencing powered by solar panels. Some of the bigger, more aggressive chimpanzees, especially amongst the males, have to stay in very strongly constructed cages for their own and the safety of the other chimps. 

Each chimpanzee has a name, it's own individual characteristics, and all appear to have a sense of humour and favourite antics.  All are deeply loved by not only by Shelia and Sylvia, but very much so by their handlers, many who have given up other careers to work with these astounding animals.

However, Chimfunshi has grown so rapidly it is now in dire need of funds.  Despite being internationally recognized, it is becoming harder and harder to meet the needs of looking after so many homeless chimpanzees.

Visitors come from all over the world to see these special animals but there is very limited accommodation for them.  An Education Centre has been built which is of great value to visiting schools and groups, but needs much more equipment.  A school is being built for the children of the staff and local communities, who rely heavily on supplying food for the chimpanzees as their only financial support. 

The Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust has been formed to facilitate the continuing work of the Siddle family, striving to protect this endangered species.  

HOW CAN YOU HELP? 

ADOPT - A - CHIMP through The Friends of Chimfunshi, P O Box 3555, Kempton Park, 1620, South Africa.  Encourage your local school, wildlife society or church group to adopt a Chimp, or give one as a gift to friends and family - a truely unique and caring gift.  (Charity No 008-198-NPO RSA)

Join FRIENDS OF CHIMFUNSHI at only R115 per year for which you receive a quarterly newsletter and an invitation to visit the chimpanzees at Chimfunshi, Zambia. 

VOLUNTEER to work with the Chimpanzees at Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage and Chimpanzee Sanctuary.  Join others who come from all over the world for a true ‘hands-on' experience.

VISIT the Orphanage if you are in that area.  Only 60 kms west of Chingola, on the Copperbelt, Zambia. Transport can be arranged to get you there.

SUPPORT THE EDUCATION CENTRE AND SCHOOL by sending much needed material, (i.e. stationery, books, pens and pencils) as well as cash donations to help with teachers salaries and the purchase of desks and chairs.

DONATE - however little it is always welcome.  You may state if your donation is to go directly to the welfare of the chimpanzees, to the Education Centre or to the School.  Every little bit helps. 

BEQUESTS.  Remember the chimpanzees in your will, a living memory of your kindness and support of an endangered species.

For more information on Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage and Chimpanzee Sanctuary contact Ian and Lesley Thomson, Integrated Conservation Africa cc, P O Box 1301, Howick, 3290, South Africa.  ian@ica.co.za or safaris@talkingtravel.co.za

            Chimfunshi's wheelbarrow