Tchimpounga Sanctuary, Chimpanzee rehabilitation center in Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo
Tchimpounga Sanctuary is a rehabilitation center for chimpanzees located in Pointe-Noire in the Republic of Congo, housing more than 150 primates across different age groups. The facility spans several zones with varied habitats, from open areas to forested regions, designed to house the animals in realistic living conditions.
The center was established in 1992 by the Jane Goodall Foundation after the Congolese government agreed to provide a place to protect chimpanzees from poaching and illegal exploitation. Since then, it has grown into one of the main sanctuaries for injured and rescued animals in Central Africa.
The place serves as a refuge for chimpanzees rescued from illegal trade networks, allowing them to live in social groups and recover their natural behaviors. Visitors can watch how the animals interact with each other and gradually adapt to life in a protected environment.
The grounds are expansive and require time to explore, so visitors should come prepared with adequate physical stamina. Insect spray and waterproof clothing are important since the location is in a humid tropical region.
Within the grounds are three natural islands - Tchibebe, Tchindzoulou, and Ngombe - where chimpanzees live in largely undisturbed forest and can be observed. These islands offer the animals conditions closer to their wild existence than other parts of the sanctuary.
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