We visited this center today and we able to observe a few of the chimpanzees who have been rescued from human situations over the years since it was established by Jane Goodall in 1973. She started with 3 chimps, brought another 9 a couple years later, and over the years, the population in the Sanctuary has grown to 35. Five young have been born, showing these abused and damaged animals are recuperating, living a more normal life than the situation from which they were rescued. Six were found in a box when an attempt to smuggle them out was thwarted at the airport… but 2 died. One was living in a very small cage for 9 years at a gas station. They are learning to be chimpanzees again in a healthy environment, but they will not be able to be released. Because of the psychological damage they have experienced, it is feared they would not survive. Their nutrition is supplemented here, and they are cared for medically. They are not natural inhabitants of Kenya, more the jungle areas of Congo. It was a very interesting visit.

This is a group of 2 females and 2 young males, a 1 year old and a 5 year youngster.

The enclosure for the chimps is for their protection as well as ours. Should one escape and be threatening, there is a safe space for us in the viewing area. Maybe schools need these safe spaces!?