Rescue Orphaned Primates

For nearly a decade, Samba lived a life bound by chains, her existence confined to a small patch of dirt and sparse grass. This grim reality stripped her of basic freedoms; the joys of exploration, social interaction, and adequate nutrition remained out of reach. The physical scars and her wary demeanor are silent testaments to her prolonged agony. Samba's plight began when she was taken as a young chimp from her natural habitat, a victim of the illegal pet trade that targets animals for private ownership. Her story is a powerful reminder of the cruel consequences of the illegal wildlife trade.

On the day of her rescue, Samba was quite wary. PASA and our partners were determined to free her from such dire conditions and begin her journey toward recovery. Years of living tethered had taught her to gauge the boundaries of her world by the length of her chain, casting doubt on the intentions behind her rescuers.

 Her journey to safety was fraught with challenges. Torrential rains rendered the roads nearly impassable, threatening each step of her rescue. Arrangements were made for Samba to travel by train, circumventing the perilous paths. Thanks to the unwavering commitment of PASA colleagues and the cooperation of government officials, Samba was finally brought to safety at PASA member Parc de la Lékédi in Gabon. Though still cautious, she is gradually embracing the prospects of her new life in a sanctuary that offers lush, forested enclosures, expert care, and the chance to bond with other chimpanzees.

Samba's story is a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by many other chimpanzees still in captivity. The road to their rescue and rehabilitation is long and filled with obstacles. It is only through the support of compassionate individuals like you that PASA and our members can continue this vital work.

 Your contributions are essential. They provide the necessary care and rehabilitation for primates in dire situations and support PASA’s ongoing efforts to break the cycle of abuse and neglect. Each donation transforms a tale of tragedy into one of triumph, offering each rescued primate a chance at a life filled with joy and freedom.

 Thank you for your steadfast support and for making a significant difference in the lives of chimpanzees like Samba. Together, we are replacing the chains of captivity with nurturing care and renewed hope.

Thanks to your continued support, PASA and our member sanctuaries are fighting wildlife trafficking and saving orphaned primates like Siaka, a young chimpanzee who was rescued last month. While much of the world was enjoying the holidays, our member sanctuaries were working as hard as ever to protect innocent orphans like Siaka.

Tragically, Siaka’s story begins with loss: his mother was killed by poachers, leaving him orphaned and vulnerable. When he was rescued by Guinean authorities and brought to the Chimpanzee Conservation Center (CCC), a PASA member sanctuary, Siaka was just one month old. His blue eyes and lack of teeth were stark reminders of his infancy.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, Siaka was given a second chance at life. At CCC, dedicated caregivers provided him with round-the-clock attention, ensuring he was fed, comforted, and surrounded by love. Slowly, Siaka began to thrive. From his first taste of fruit to his wobbly attempts at climbing, each milestone was a testament to his resilience and the lifesaving work made possible by your support.

Siaka’s journey toward independence continues at CCC’s ‘forest school,’ where he is learning critical survival skills, such as foraging, avoiding predators, and adapting to life in the wild - skills he would have learned from his mother. With each day, Siaka grows stronger, but his story underscores the ongoing threats posed by poaching, habitat destruction, and the illegal wildlife trade.

Your donations make it possible to rescue and care for young chimps like Siaka while also addressing the root causes of their plight. Together, we can ensure that orphaned primates receive the care they need and work toward a future where fewer great apes face these dangers alone.

By supporting PASA, you empower our network of sanctuaries to provide safety and hope for orphaned primates and to protect their natural habitats. Every contribution brings us closer to a world where great apes and monkeys can thrive in the wild, free from the threats of human exploitation. Thank you for your commitment. Together, we are making a difference for Africa’s monkeys apes.

Photos by Chimpanzee Conservation Center.

Links:

• pasa.org