Thanks to IPPL UK we are starting to make a little bit of space at Tacugama so that we can start to address the waiting list of chimps that has sadly been building up as we are at full capacity. IPPL came to the rescue with funding that is allowing us to build flexible den space to accommodate our younger chimps; they have had to stay in the quarantine section so far as there was nowhere else for them to go. These cages will allow the youngsters to be accommodated together, closer to the existing groups and free up the quarantine cages. Even better, we’re using a design that means the cages can be moved in the future if we need them in different locations.
Assembling the cage
Almost ready, one last coat of paint to go
The first occupants should be moving in before the end of this month and we’ll bring you an update soon.
The construction work has certainly made Gaura and friends curious to see what’s happening close to home…. from left to right:Mac, Gaura, Jessica, Bai Nyaa and Bruno
Sunny and Blama have made a big move and are in the final stages of being integrated with Philip’s group. They’ve been staying in the one of the night dens for the group and gradually meeting all of their new family in the neighbouring dens. They’re adjusting very well to the new faces and behaviours and a big plus for them is that Jumo, son of Julie – the dominant female of the group, has really taken to the girls. That acceptance at the higher levels of the group hierarchy bodes well for their acceptance by all of the group. All being well they’ll be meeting face to face in the next few days.
The census workshop we held a couple of weeks ago is leading to some good follow up actions. Cotton Tree News, one of the important radio producers in Sierra Leone paid a visit to Tacugama this week to record a half hour feature on the importance of chimpanzees and the work of Tacugama. We’re now planning a series of follow up broadcasts to continue building and spreading the message.
Posseh being interviewed by Bassie Kanu of CTN for their Earth Watch series, our education officer, Obana (right), was also interviewed along with Willie Tucker
Meanwhile Jimmy has been vetting some of the flip charts that were produced during the workshop to make sure that our outputs met his high standards!
It has been a very busy few months at Tacugama but our 15th year was always going to be a hectic one. Fortunately being able to witness some of the fun that the chimpanzees have together helps raise a smile even on the most challenging of days. We’d like to leave you for today with this bundle of fun and laughter that we were able to capture for you a few days ago – hope it makes your day better too!
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