at Tchimpounga

We got to Tchimpounga late last night and said hello to s

ome of the keepers (there are 40 altogether). We tried to get

out here early since its no fun to drive at night (logging trucks w

ith drunk drivers and people piled on top using the roads all night) but we got tied up in town b

uying food etc. Our lodging is amazing, built on research money. we each have a room and shared common area with a kitchen. we're totally spoiled.

Today we met the chimps and I had one of the most unbelievable experiences of my life. actually, we met the chimps when one of them escaped this morning and was running around outside our house. but that was not the amazing part...We got to visit the new orphans in the nursery this morning and it was straight out of a jane goodall documentary. Babies jumping all over us, hugging, tugging and playing. Here’s what you look like at the end of a 45 minute bout with those little guys.

But now let me remind you that they are here because they are orphans. their mothers were shot for bushmeat and they were confiscated as they were being sold into the pet trade or private ownership. No doubt, baby chimps are cute, but no doubt that no one should own one. its important that people understand the horrible process by which these chimps are orphaned. PASA sanctuaries provide them an opportunity to grow up with other chimps in their natural habitat which is pretty amazing.

bonus pics: spider and a lizard. this lizard is like 6 inches which give you some perspective on the spider. this is inside our little palace. we love the lizards cause they eat bugs!