Project update - April 2006

The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation provides funding to the HELP project to track, study and protect babies who are born in the freedom of the forest to orphaned chimpanzees who had rescued, rehabilitated and released back into the wild.

The HELP project is pleased to report that the 3 babies are still alive and thriving. We have exciting news that Lucie is also pregnant and we are awaiting a new impending birth.

Unfortunately, last year HELP rescued 3 additional orphaned baby chimpanzees. For a while they were housed in the city of Pointe Noire while we conducted the quarantine and health checks required to rehabilitate and release them into the forest. Today, they are in the process of being rehabilitated in the forest. Two local staff members are spending 24 hours a day with them to keep them safe and ensure their adaptation goes well. We will keep you informed of the progress of Bianeffe, Clandestine and Vounda.

Other conservation efforts undertaken since last year include (but are not limited to)

• Participating in the Great Ape Reintroduction Symposium which will be held at Apenheul Zoo in Holland next month since interest in the success of the release program pioneered by HELP has been very high.
• Conservation education to the local children.
• Agro-forestry project whereby we planted over 2500 local and fruit bearing trees.

Every little contribution helps wildlife and remember 100% of your donation will go in full to the project - thank you!

You can also help by becoming a member of DSWF. Click here for more information

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