THEY ARE IN GOOD HANDS

Three baby chimpanzees, three lives in sanctuaries

Not so long ago, I told you about three baby chimpanzees that J.A.C.K. was monitoring from a distance. Three young females whose families had been decimated by poachers; three orphans who had been confiscated in two different regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Since late May – early June 2025, Franck, Dr Calvin (our veterinarian), and I have been closely following their journey, setting up feeding plans, enrichment activities, and veterinary care.

The big news is that these three little ’girls” were recently entrusted by the Environmental authorities to sanctuaries, giving them a real chance at survival.

Thus, ”Dodo,” rescued by African Parks with the help of the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) and monitored by J.A.C.K. in Garamba National Park, has now joined a sanctuary in western DRC.

As for the other two, intercepted by the African Wildlife Foundation and the ICCN at the border with the Central African Republic while a trafficker was preparing to illegally smuggle them out of the country, they were entrusted to J.A.C.K. in southern DRC.

These females, now named Lucy and Tami, endured deep trauma: chained and bound for the illegal trade, it took them more than two weeks to accept the comforting presence of their surrogate mothers. Today, as they discover the sounds and scents of other chimpanzees, they are finally beginning to understand that they are safe. Step by step, they are regaining trust, playing, holding on tightly, and rediscovering tenderness.

Once their quarantine is complete, Lucy and Tami will join Fwa, Sana, Bere, and Kindu to begin the next stage of their rehabilitation. We can’t wait to see them getting up to playful mischief together!

Our new little protégées will soon be featured on the sponsorship page of the US-based organization, FRIENDS OF JACK PRIMATE SANCTUARY, and every form of support will help them on their path toward healing and a dignified life.

Before closing, I want to give heartfelt thanks to everyone who, in one way or another, took part in these two missions.

Thanks to the commitment of the authorities and sanctuaries, Dodo, Lucy, and Tami now have a new future ahead of them.

Together, let’s keep offering them this second chance!