Singes sacrés de la Foret Sacrée de Gbepleu, Sacred monkey sanctuary in Tonkpi, Ivory Coast
The Sacred Forest of Gbepleu is a protected natural space where a community of baboons roams freely. The site features a wooded habitat designed to support the daily life and movement of these primates.
The forest's protection originated from a local story about a young girl named Manlo, whose fate established the sanctuary's safeguard more than a century ago. This past created rules that still govern the relationship between people and monkeys today.
The local people view the monkeys as spiritual mediators, treating them with daily gestures of respect and reverence. This reverence shapes how humans and animals coexist within the forest.
The forest is open during daylight hours, allowing visitors to observe the monkeys in their natural habitat. It is advisable to walk along the existing paths and follow local guidelines to protect the animals.
The consequences for breaking the rules are documented in a well-known story of a war chief who faced severe punishment for killing one of the monkeys. This account shows how seriously the community takes the sanctuary's protection.
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