“Water Lily, Star… Come on, come on, come on!“It's lunch time in monkey paradise, a string of wooded islands on the Sanaga River in Cameroon, transformed into a sanctuary for chimpanzees, a species in danger of extinction. From his canoe, Fabrice Moudoungue, only has to listen to the cries of the animals in semi-autonomy The caregiver from the Papaye International association knows each of the 34 chimpanzees in the sanctuary like members of his family: “We spend all the time, every day with them“, he confides happily.
On today's menu: tomatoes, bananas, coconut and even dates. The leader of the islands' chimpanzees is greeted with excitement by the primates. A special relationship with this usually fearful monkey, nourished by daily contact and care. Approaching the island of Yatou, François Elimbi, the manager of the sanctuary, is greeted by the arms of Miel, a female released in 2019 after around 10 years of care. “It can't be explained, it's very strong, it even gives you goosebumps when you see a monkey hugging you. This means that he still recognizes you, you are his friend”he interprets, moved by the gesture of the black hairy beast, so close to humans.
Chimpanzees share “98% common DNA with men“, argues Marylin Pons Riffet, the president of Papaye International, who travels between France and Cameroon to defend an animal”endangered in the wild world” because of a single predator, man.
An extremely endangered species
The species is extremely threatened by the disappearance of its habitat and by poaching, its flesh being consumed despite bans. Between Nigeria and Cameroon, we count “between 1,200 and 2,400 specimens“, according to the association dedicated to the rescue of “orphaned chimpanzees who are young and need a helping hand from humans“. On three islands, it is a question of offering a serene space and responding as best as possible to the physiological needs of these animals which could no longer survive alone in freedom. Still too young for the autonomy of the islands, Tchossa and Conso play, enjoy a swing and sleep in hammocks in a large cage installed near the caregivers' accommodation.
Alioum Sanda, one of the caregivers, has taken to heart the role of “surrogate mother” for these little balls of fur, particularly for Conso, a mischievous little monkey of around 6 years old. “I put him in diapers, dried him with the wipes. When there were injuries we tried to treat them until they recovered.“, he says, showing scars from the violence inflicted on the little one, still very young when his mother was killed by poachers. A meticulous and essential work for someone who refuses to see the presence of chimpanzees reduced to a memory : “We must try to preserve them so that our future generations also see this species.“Founded in 2001, the association financed by 30 million friends and the Brigitte Bardot foundation regularly welcomes eco-volunteers from all over the world.
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