Bridging the Gap
May 3, 2007
Bridging the Gap
Cameroon may seem like a far-away land, yet the need to fight for survival of our cousins, the chimpanzees who share 98% similarity to our DNA, is not so far away at all.
The killing of chimpanzees and gorillas for the illegal commercial bush meat trade is perpetuated by a demand that stretches across the globe, including the US. Traders bring some three tons of bush meat to the Cameroon capital, Yaounde, daily. Their catch usually includes smoked and fresh meat of such protected species as gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants and even lions, and a thriving black market keeps these dealers in business. In this CBS report, "Illegal Bushmeat Thriving in the Bay Area" , our critical work to protect the chimpanzees and gorillas in Cameroon is driven home, literally.
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In the U.S. just 14 states have outlawed keeping primates as pets. Approximately 15,000 primates are in private hands. Many are sold on the internet, by mail order or by exotic animal dealers. Learn about the federal “Captive Primate Safety Act” and help ensure its passage. |
And sadly, it's not only what is on people's dinner plates around the world that creates a dire situation for endangered chimpanzees and gorillas. The illegal bushmeat trade is intricately connected to the exotic pet trade.
In the wake of the killing are the orphans. The babies are spared because they are worth more alive than dead; sold by poachers as pets or mascots.
In Cameroon it is illegal to kill, capture, buy, sell, eat or possess Great Apes.
IDA-Africa works in collaboration with the Cameroon government. By providing a home for orphaned chimpanzees at the Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center, and supplying information and technical support, IDA-Africa enables the confiscation of illegally held chimpanzees. IDA-Africa's precedent setting radio ads called “SOS Chimpanzees and Gorillas”, aim to make it socially unacceptable to kill and eat chimpanzees and gorillas. A powerful TV ad has been produced and will soon be aired throughout Cameroon as well.
From Isolation to Sanctuary
At the Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center, all of the chimpanzees are orphans of the illegal bushmeat trade. Some chimpanzees like Kiki Jackson, Jacky, Nama and Dorothy endured decades in solitary confinement as "mascots". Others like Chouki, Jimi, Katchka, Tati and Amigo were kept as "pets" before being rescued.
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| Having been kept in isolation as a pet, Chouki did not know how to behave like a chimpanzee and was defenseless when attacked at another sanctuary. Resulting eye injuries left him blind. He was brought to Sanaga-Yong Center in 2002 at the age of ten and lives with his family of eight in an enclosure with accommodations to help him navigate. |
Tati (below) came to the Sanaga-Yong Center in March 2006 and Amigo (above) shortly thereafter, both as adolescents. Tati had been confined to a tree limb by a neck chain and Amigo was isolated in a backyard cage. |
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The history of Tati, Amigo, Jimi and Katchka is an interesting example of how chimpanzee social dynamics can change. After a brief period of initial dominance when they were first introduced a year ago, Amigo quickly became submissive to Tati. The two played and laughed together, but Amigo's submission was obvious in many gestures - most notably in how he allowed Tati to steal his food. With the integration of younger females Jimi and Katchka this Spring, the dynamic changed.
Jimi and Katchka had been introduced together to Tati and Amigo (also together) through bars of a satellite cage. Tati was initially more aggressive toward the youngsters, while Amigo was more gentle and playful. When we placed Amigo in the same chamber with Jimi and Katchka, he quickly took on the responsibility of protecting them against Tati. He became courageous, and no longer submissive to Tati. Tati soon learned to play more gently through the barrier with Jimi and Katchka, and whenever he was a little too rough, Amigo quickly intervened.
After a month Tati was kissing and hugging Jimi and Katchka occasionally. On the day they were all to be introduced in a single chamber, we were pretty sure Amigo would intervene if necessary and that Tati would back down. Nonetheless, there was some nervous tension in the air when the barrier was removed as we couldn't be sure that someone wouldn't get hurt.
When the barrier was removed, Jimi ran forward first, sharing a warm embrace from Tati. Then Amigo and Katchka came running over, and suddenly there was a hairy clump of chimpanzees rolling and laughing on the ground. They all chased each other playing. As expected, Amigo behaved protectively whenever Tati was too rough with Jimi or Katchka. Early on there were a few squabbles but Jimi was surprisingly confident and she reconciled with Tati in the way wild chimpanzees would. They all set off to a great start and have been enjoying their new family ever since!
Katchka had been kept in a small cage behind the house of a priest before being rescued in November 2006. |
Jimi, rescued in 2005, had been living with a human family and
endured severe physical discipline leaving her right shoulder and
arm permanently disabled. |
CURRENT EVENTS
8th Annual Fundraiser Reception to benefit IDA-Africa ~ Seattle
Born To Be Wild ~ IDA-Africa Benefit Event ~ Los Angeles
IDA-Africa / Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center
US Office: 700 SW 126th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005
www.ida-africa.org ~ info@ida-africa.org ~ 503-643-8302
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