Tacugama

Protecting chimpanzees in Sierra Leone

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Another orphan arrives!

Category: Blogroll, Chimpanzee, Gaura, Tacugama | Date: Jul 10 2008 | By: tacugama

Three days ago we received an urgent call informing us that a baby chimp was being sold at Lumley beach area in Freetown. Our informer was instructed to keep negotiating with the dealer until our arrival.

Willie, our head keeper, and Tommy, wildlife ranger were swiftly dispatched. On their way they picked up two police officers and with their help the baby chimp was confiscated without too much hassle.

The man, a woodcutter from Tombo village situated in the peninsula of Freetown, obviously explained a fancy story that he came across three adult chimps in the bush and when they saw him, they panicked and took off leaving the baby behind.

Tombo village is a gateway by boat to many provincial coastal villages, and we think this baby must have been capture in the south of Sierra Leone and transported into Freetown peninsula for a quick sale. The dealer was in a hurry as he was willing to sell the baby for a mere $25.

Tombo on arrival to Tacugama with Willie
willie-tombo-arrival-070708.jpg.

We have named her Tombo. She is less than a year old, very thin (3.5kg) and very scared. Mama Posseh is now in charge and giving her the love and care she needs to make her feel safe.

Tombo
tombo-100708.jpg.

 It was funny to see Gaura’s reaction to the new arrival. He was attentive, inquisitive and possibly very jealous seeing Mama Posseh taking care of Tombo. It won’t be long Gaura will have a new playmate.

Junior is almost completely recovered from his injury and has joined his friends in the night dens. He may be allowed to go outdoors in the coming days.

Junior and his mates: his best friend Kouze (sitting in front of him), Nita and Jerry (in the hammocks)
junior-with-his-friends.jpg.

 Lucia C. and Theresa S. thank you very much for your latest donations. We will use the money to buy extra milk for Tombo.

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5 Responses to “Another orphan arrives!”

sheryl, washington dc, on 10 Jul 2008

Bala, what a sad story. I hope little Tombo will recover from the terror of seeing his family killed. I’m sure Mama Posseh is just the person to make him feel safe and loved. Thanks for the update on Junior and it’s always a treat to hear about Gaura.

s.

Wanda, Atlanta, on 10 Jul 2008

Oh my she looks so sad - they all seem to be so drained and scared when you are able to get them rescued - I hope a twinkle in her eyes comes back someday - thank you Bala for saving another one and thanks to “whoever” it is that is loyal about letting you know they are out there for sale and bless them for taking you to them!

Christine C., on 10 Jul 2008

Oh, what a sweet baby and yet another tragic story. I am sure Momma Posseh will have her feeling safe and loved in no time. Many thanks to all who were involved in Tomba’s rescue.

Annie, on 10 Jul 2008

Poor lil angel! Thanks for getting her..cannot imagine what terror she has been through….. I too hope this baby can spring back to life soon!

Lucia Cristiana, Brasil, on 10 Jul 2008

Poor Tombo, she makes me remember Gaura’s arrival at Tacugama: so sad and scared… I know that care and love of angel Mama Posseh will do this beautiful baby chimp to feel good soon. Soon she and Gaura will be playing together. Thanks to God Junior is improving quicly. Thank you Bala, Mama Posseh, Willie and, of course, the person that call you about little Tombo.

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