Dear Friends,
These days have been extremely busy because a new baby chimpanzee called JANE was seized and brought a few days ago at JACK.
Just like Coco, JANE has gone through a long story.
We have known about her since October 2007.
One day, a Congolese man came to visit our Refuge and mentioned his uncle was detaining a young chimpanzee in his back yard.
When Franck and I saw the little chimp for the first time, we had a shock. The baby was a female chimpanzee of about 2 years that seemed to be in a healthy condition.
But, her enclosure was terrible! Imagine, the chimpanzee was kept in …a car!!!
Yes, « Tarzan » (that was her name) was living in an old 4×4 Pajero and wasn’t very often allowed to leave her enclosure…
The car was horrible! The dirt was never removed …
…and the young chimp used to sit at the window to get some fresh air.
A few days later, the nephew of the owner called Franck saying » you can come and fetch « Tarzan« . She must stay with animals of her own kind ».
When Franck arrived at the place with the inspectors of the Ministry of Environment to seize the ape, « Tarzan » hab been moved to another place, the nephew had left and the other people of the house said the owner didn’t want his chimp to be taken away from him…
How strange? What was going on?
After long investigations, the Ministry of Environment heard the owner of « Tarzan » was extremely powerfulin the DRC.
Imagine, what was to be done? No-one can go against such highranking person. Who is going to confiscate something from him?
So, to us, it meant « Tarzan » was lost and her name was to be written on the list of all the « unseizable » young chimpanzees kept by high authorities of the DRC.
Last week, Franck received another call. This time, it was said the owner of « Tarzan » wanted to get rid of her because she had started disturbing the whole neighbourhood.
Franck didn’t have a lot of expactations, went to see « Tarzan » and noticed that she was fine but that she had « shrimped » in size. She looked smaller than last year. The inspector of Environment accompanying Franck had the same impression.
But then, « Tarzan’s » life took a new turn. Franck met her owner who frankly explained « I am an authority and I must be an example« . Franck couldn’t believe his ears. This meant that all this work that JACK has been achieving for two years now is slowly getting results. Unbelievable!
Once the seizure documents were signed, « Tarzan » left her Pajero and was driven to JACK.
At JACK, the two boys of our quarantine, Mwisho and Coco, saw her immediately, made welcoming noises and were very excited.
« Tarzan » was very scared and hold my hand tightly…
Today, little « Tarzan » is doing fine.
Although she is very slim, but I am sure time will help her to recover and to enjoy this new life full of attention, love and care. Also, she has got a new name as Franck decided to call her… JANE !
With JANE arriving at the Refuge Centre, it means that we are now taking care of 16 young chimpanzees and that today an average of one infant ape is seized by local authorities of Katanga each 3 months!! Your donations are crucial to the development of the legal Refuge for seized Chimpanzees of the DRC.
Before ending, JACK wishes to thank the owner of « Tarzan » for what he has done for the State of Congo – this man must be a model to so many others !
Thank You,
Roxane
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Wow! Thank you!
I always wanted to write in my site something like that. Can I take part of your post to my site?
Of course, I will add backlink?
Sincerely, Timur I.
I just love to watch and study there exspesions. I would love to be with a chimp for a day…but its just a dream.
To be with one and in the mind of one is a dream I would pay …..
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I sent a letter to a another foundation that gives grants. I will let you know what happens.
I told them all about your sanctuary.
I am so grateful for every chimp that you save. The sacrifices that you make keeps me humble.
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Roxane and Franck — Just wanted to say THANK YOU…just learned that you are taking in Baby Tongo…you all are just amazing…I can’t wait for Tongo to get there so he can start meeting other chimps and we can start hearing about his adventures with you as he grows.
I am sending a donation in honor of sweet little Jane and the incredible dent you have made in educating the public and giving these animals a new lease in life.
Can’t wait to hear that Jane is adjusting to and enjoying her new life.
Good work. Roxane and Franck. These news are good not just because you got Jane, but also because of the change of attitude among authorities in Congo towards wildlife that you are influencing. Bravo.
Congratulations to you. Though having a new chimp means that traffic is still going on, getting this one from authorities is a excellent sign of improvement in the way Congolese authorities and people think of chimps. Looking forward to seeing this new little one at the refuge new week
Chantal
Jane is so beautiful. She seems very intelligent. We know that she will be recovered very soon with your help, Roxane and Franck. thank you more one time.
A sad story that ends well. All my love for you and the chimps! Thank you for your efforts and patience and congratulations for the congolese gentleman.
Warm regards from Maria Susana, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Fantastic news and ditto to everything Sheryl said…it seems like all your hard work is starting to pay off. Hugs to Jane and all the babies and kudos to you and Franck as always!
Nice work, Roxane and Franck. You are making an impression on people in Congo. Very well done! I’m so happy to see Jane in her new home and look forward to updates on her progress.
s.
Wonderful story. I’m so sorry I missed you Roxane, if you are in Nairobi please call in on us, we’d love to meet you!