Whenever we accept a new chimpanzee at Tacugama we observe a minimum quarantine period of three months. Very often rescued chimps have spent some time living with people and so are exposed to additional disease risks; it’s essential for the health of the almost 100 chimpanzees at the sanctuary that we ensure newcomers don’t introduce illnesses to our existing residents. Chimps are very social and it’s tough having to impose the quarantine period. We always look forward to when we can finally start to integrate a newcomer to their new “family”. The start of 2012 has seen us introducing Bingo to Chippie’s young group of 7 infants under the age of 5.
Bingo ready to meet his new friends
Generally the younger the chimp, the easier it is to introduce them into their new group but we still have to take time to make sure that the first meetings go well. Bingo’s been staying in a cage close to his new playmates and spent a few days meeting them through the protection of a gate while we observed who was making the best efforts to make friends with who. Finally Chippie, Benita and Tompey seemed to be the best candidates for the initial introductions so last week they had the first opportunity to play together and we’re very happy to say that it went really well as these fun photos show!
Chippie is the first to make an approach
Benita joins in the introductions
Bingo puts on his best play face, happy to finally have some play mates
Time for some tumbling together...
Chippie tests Bingo's stretchiness!
... and again!
Tompey comes to say hello while Samson, Delila and Kangari look on from a distance!
Benita gives Bingo a loving hug
After lots of vigorous play it's time for some refreshments...
... all the better for being shared !
The next stage is for Bingo to meet up with the rest of the group – Samson, Delila, Kangari and Eglo and he’ll then move out with them into their small enclosure for hopefully a much happier 2012!
a lot of fun there! So happy to see this! Thanks so much for posting!!!!
so lovely to see the little ones so happy!!! keep up the good work Tacugama!
Wonderful to see these happy youngsters, especially Bingo. Good luck for 2012 and hugs to all you wonderful people at Tacugama!
Wonderful! Thanks so much for posting!
Its so wonderful to see these litlle boys happy and safe. Good luck for him his friends and all Tacugama staff.
How adorable! Thanks for sharing!
I love you all at Tacugama.
Thank you Lucia – we couldn’t do what we do without the support that we get from you and all of our supporters! You make a BIG difference.
I have learned a lot. thank you. I was very pleased. Thanks