Remember, on October 20th, you were told on Manioc Valley about a baby chimpanzee called “JAC” that had joined J.A.C.K. Refuge Center.
“Jac” Jac had been set for sale for several days on one of Lubumbashi markets. Hardly fed, put underneath a small three with a long rope tied to his right foot , Jac was just a smelly and dirty “makaka” (=which means ‘monkey’ in Swahili). People were passing him by, ignoring that Jac simply needed basic things such as water, some food and…love.
Jac for sale on the market When Jac arrived at our Refuge Center, he was too weak to stay in the quarantine area. He really required special attention and because our complex isn’t yet totally built, Jac had a place home with us.
Jac being groomed at home by Franck Unfortunately, things didn’t turn the way we wanted. JAC suddenly decided not to live anymore and refused to take in any food. For days he could lie down without moving. He didn’t eat nor drink any more and I really thought we were losing him. It was the first time we had an orphan with such deep psychological trauma. Chimpanzees are very close to humans and once they feel abandoned, they can let themselves die. But our little one was dying. As a last resort, the vet made him three injections (antibiotics, vitamins and vermifuge) not really knowing if Jac would recover.
Jac dying Then, one day, I still don’t understand what happened: Jac came into my arms. He stared at me as if he was looking for protection and since then we have become very good friends. He started eating again, playing and laughing.
Jac seeking for love Jac is now doing a lot better: he has put on weight and joined the quarantine area of J.A.C.K. early November. I could feel he was ready and strong enough to live this new experience. His place was at the centre as the shouts, noises and odors of the other chimpanzees were crucial to Jac’s recovery.
Jac ready for the quarantine Today, Jac looks happy. He plays, swings in his quarantine cage. He is no longer aggressive and, although I’m sure he hasn’t really forgotten all these dark days he went through, he now knows that we are there to give him the life he deserves.
Roxane feeding Jac To see Jac progressing every day is a real victory to us.
Jac swinging
11 Comments posted on "What happened to “JAC”?"
cathy-california on December 17th, 2007 at 2:06 am
Thank you so much for that heartbreaking update. It sounds so much like the story of Kata, one of the bonobos who temporarily lost the will to live. What kind of educational programs are you supporting that might help to eventually diminish the suffering of these precious animals? Sending much love to JAC–and a donation. Thank you so much for the update– I could not get him out of my mind. Might we get an update when he is out of quarantine? Will that be soon? Thanks again.
angie. Brit in LA on December 17th, 2007 at 2:33 am
Thank you so much for the wonderful work you do. This story broke my heart.
sheryl, washington dc on December 17th, 2007 at 4:53 am
Wow, thanks for a great story. How long will Jac have to be in a quarantine cage? I really dislike the use of cages for our brilliant cousins but I’m glad he’s swinging and doing better. He’s really lovely. s.
Samantha (WildlifeDirect) on December 17th, 2007 at 6:44 am
Hello Franck and Roxane. Please also take a look at wildlifedirect.org/tacugama
J.A.C.K. on December 17th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Dear all,
cathy-california on December 17th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Thanks for your reply.
sheryl, washington dc on December 17th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Thanks for your reply. I look forward to learning about Jac’s introduction to the others. I hope it goes well for him. It’s always hard being the new kid at school … s.
Christine C. on December 18th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
Oh my…tragic and heartbreaking…I am sitting in my office all weepy…my colleagues think I am a nut job! Thank you for sharing this story…I am so happy to hear that this dear, sweet baby is getting better and perhaps, someday his memories of trauma will be overtaken with his memories of love. Thank you for all that you do and please keep us posted about Jac. Christine
Wanda, Atlanta on December 19th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
I will be donating to your site once Holidays are over-how wonderful that you groom them and don’t give up on them as they give up on humans! Please continue to blog regularly.
Linda on December 29th, 2007 at 7:46 am
Please let us know how Jac gets on when out of quarantine. I despair of the human race sometimes. Every best wish to Jac in his journey back to happiness.
clau on May 6th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
its wonderfull the things that some people do for the animal world the best hard work Post a comment
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