Archive for the ‘J.A.C.K.’ Category
Hi all! Just wanted to give you some update of Jac, our little friend I started blogging with…
Introduced into the main group last February, Jac received protection of the eldest female, Shasa.
SHASA taking care of Jac
Today, Jac has found his place in the main group and gets on well with all his mates.
Jac has made a lot of progress and his appearance has changed completely: compare both pictures below - you can hardly say it is the same baby chimpanzee… BEFORE (september 2007)
AFTER (June 2008)
Rescuing him has been a tough and stressful experience, but it was worth doing it! Jac has recovered all that pain he suffered from and now seems to be happy among the other chimps of our group… Dear Friends, although now each of you can see the donations on the blog, I do thank you again for your help and support. Donations are very important for the development of our Refuge. Thank you a lot! Roxane
Dear All, Last week, I remembered you about the money you sent end of April/early May for the purchase of the welding machine. The bank has called us saying your money finally arrived. But, when Franck went to buy the machine, bad news: no welding machine was left. Here, it’s always like this: once you see something very particular in a shop, you have to buy it at once !! So, JACK has immediately ordered a new one that will come midth /end of July. But, don’t worry, once again, I’ll keep you posted and send you the pictures of the machine.
Also, in addition to your single donations of May, we received your one-time donations of the previous months and wanted to show you what we did with this money.
We had no gate at the entrance of the Refuge Centre. Visitors very often managed to enter the complex, reached too easily the quarantine area putting the isolated chimpanzee babies at risk (quarantine place is close to the main entrance of the Refuge!!!) Therefore, we decided to put a gate to prevent anyone from coming in. BEFORE: NO GATE = NO SECURITY More things have to be done to improve the complex (build extra night facilities, bring electricity as we still have no power, add extra fencing around the complex). Proof of purchase But, today, and mainly thanks to your donations, security has been enforced ; this, again, is a new step in JACK’s everyday life. THANK YOU !!! Roxane
Dear Friends, Winter started a few weeks ago. Yes, here in Central Africa, we have a cold season from May untill end of October. Nights are colder, 5 to 8 degrees Celsius (41-46°Fahrenheit) which is quite chilly as we are used to 24 to 28 degrees Celsius (75-82°Fahrenheit). June and July are the coldest months. As the weather changes, the grass turns color from the green of the rain season to the yellow of the cold and dry season. Of course, cold weather is synonymous with flu. Humans get colds but the chimpanzees of the Refuge also. Therefore, this year, to prevent them to become sick, we have decided to let them stay a bit longer in their night facilities. Stacy told you last week the babies were fed at 7.30 am before letting them go outside. Today, they are still fed at the same time, but they go out around 8.30 when the sun has already started to warm up the outside enclosure. So, once they come out, some climb on the highest branches to get warm … … and others huddle up against one another.
I hope this year all will be fine as , last winter, I remember, most of chimps of the main group had flu in July … Before ending, I want tho thank the following donors. End of May, we have essentially received monthly donations : Anonymous (10), Birgitta S (10), Kevin C (10) and again a monthly donation of Anonymous (30) for June.
Also, I hope I will be able to post an update soon related to the purchase of the welding machine . Remember, on April 28th, in the post about Coco, I asked for your help. JACK wanted to buy a machine that could help improving the night enclosures of the babies. Well, since then, plenty of documents had to be filled in and JACK has been recently told donations are to arrive in Lubumbashi in the coming days… So, Franck and I are crossing our fingers : this machine is very important and we will let you know as soon as we receive additional information.
Roxane
Hi Friends of JACK!
My name is Stacy Best. I am an American ex-pat living in Lubumbashi. I have been volunteering at JACK for approximately 3 months. I am a Registered Nurse but am not currently practicing here in DRC. My daughters came home from school one day and told me about JACK. I contacted Roxane to see if more volunteers were needed. I assist with the morning bottles Monday through Friday and with the evening bottles Tuesday through Friday. There are four of us that feed, two nannies, myself, and another American ex-pat, Kori Howard.
Feeding time early in the morning: it must go very fast as the orphan chimpanzees are not patient
When we first walk into the feeding area at 0730 the chimps are very vocal and anxious for that first bottle of warm milk. It’s a bit overwhelming to the senses! All those arms reaching out and each one of them wants to be first. Chimpanzees are not patient. We initially hand out each of the labeled bottles that contain warm milk and yogurt. When the chimps are finished drinking their milk, they hold out their empty bottles for a refill. Some drink two bottles, some drink three. Some of the chimps, especially Shasa and Jacky, try to steal others’ bottles as well! WANZA Zamba and Wanza drink out of bottles with nipples. ZAMBA The rest of them drink out of plastic baby bottles without nipples. When they are finished with their milk, they just drop their bottles. Sometimes there is still milk in the bottles and they like to watch the milk pour out. I have come out of the morning feed with milk in my hair, on my shoes, and down my back. The morning feeding takes less than 10 minutes. Once feeding is finished, one of the nannies goes out into the enclosure and Kori and I stand on an observation ledge while the chimps are released into the outdoor enclosure. We then observe the chimps for injuries. We can see if one of them is favoring an extremity while playing or walking with a limp. It is easier for me to identify the chimps while they are outside. They all have very distinct personalities and behaviors.
Enjoying the first sunbeams of the day
In the afternoon my daughters, ages 13 and 11, also help with the feedings. They have specific chimps that they feed. One feeds Zamba and one feeds Doguy. After the evening milk, the chimps are given their fruit, vegetables and bread in the nighttime enclosure. It is very interesting to observe their behaviors while eating. For example, Wimbi likes to eat all the bread. He takes as much as he can hold and sits in the corner eating it. Jac, on the other hand, likes to sit in the middle of the food. The last activity of the afternoon feeding is the passing out of blankets. Chita and Seki start whining if the blankets are a little late being handed out.
Chita whines too much if his blankets aren’t ready
My family and I are very proud to be associated with the work that JACK is doing. Not only are we volunteers, but we have adopted Zamba as well. Roxane and Franck work tirelessly to help the chimps and every bit of help they receive is appreciated.
Stacy
Last Saturday, the Belgian school of Lubumbashi organized a Mother’s Day Programme. This particular event usually takes place in the month of May and all the kids of the primary school are on the stage.
This year, and thanks to some kids of the 5th Grade, the Programme was slightly different from the ones of the previous years. Yes, as Mrs. Sandrine and her pupils of the 5th grade have known our NGO since its early beginnings, they decided to do something very unusual during the celebration: they wanted to speak on behalf of JACK . Therefore, small groups of pupils went straight to adults. Their aim wasn’t to get funds only. They mainly wanted to make people aware about the trade of Chimpanzees through Katanga Province and to tell people to stop buying or eating Great Apes. Our young spokesmen clearly explained JACK’s purpose and objectives and some of them even convinced parents to join JACK in its awareness programme.
Adults were very surprised to see such determined youngsters involved in fundraising for the rescued chimpanzees of JACK. Also, during the Programme, JACK had been allowed by the school to sell a few things thus collecting funds in aid of the chimpanzee orphans. Two ladies, Mrs. Chantal and Mrs. Sandrine (both teachers at the Belgian school) actually worked all afternoon for JACK.
This experience was interesting as well for us as for the teachers and the young kids of the 5th grade. They had set themselves a particular mission to accomplish and , although it was their first experience, this has been an excellent and extraordinary achievement! Franck and I are extremely proud of what they all have done: imagine, the sale and the collected funds of the kids have enabled JACK in paying last month’s salaries (7 workers of the Refuge) - isn’t that wonderful ?
Well done the 5th grade! And well done dear teachers! The chimpanzees of the Refuge Centre are grateful to all of you for these great things that you have achieved for them. MERCI BEAUCOUP ! !
Roxane
Hi dear Readers! Fifteen chimpanzees are now staying at our Refuge Centre and Mwisho is the orphan we worry about most. Arrived last December, he still keeps himself isolated and selects the people he wants to have contacts with.
For the last weeks, Mwisho had a swollen thing, something like a “bubble” in the bend of his right arm.
As we thought it was a cyst, and because we wanted to have a medical check up made, a Congolese vet came to anaesthetize the young male . To our surprise, the little “bubble/cyst” turned out to be completely different than expected as we all discovered that it was a piece of metal that had settled in his arm.
Then, when looking closer, we realised the “thing” actually was the fragment of a bullet.
How could this have occured? Maybe, when the poachers attacked the group of chimpanzees to catch the youngsters, Misho might have been slightly hurt… or, maybe, this is a fragment of the bullet that killed Mwisho’s mum… A lot of theories can be given for this fragment and we will never know the truth. Though, one thing is sure: Mwisho is now rid of this ”thing” and has fully recovered.
We still don’t know when Mwisho will join the main group and remain certain the earlier the best. This traumatised chimp orphan has problems to deal with humans,sure , but the aim at JACK isn’t to domesticate chimpanzees . So, we are thinking of splitting the main group in two: (1) the group of the very young ones who still need contacts with the surrogate mothers and (2) the group of the elder ones, like Mwisho, who are already very independent and who no longer need to stay close to humans. But, doing so means JACK takes a new step forward and it won’t be an easy task to separate individuals who have been very close. Also, in order to organise these two groups, we need more space , extra fencing, advice, additional help and support …
We’ll keep you posted!
Roxane, Franck and the Chimps
Early April, when Franck was in Sierra Leone, different authorities came to visit our Refuge Centre.
At first, I had the opportunity to meet the National DRC Minister of Environment, Mr. José ENDUNDO BONONGE, who was really amazed to see what private people like us are doing for Congolese conservation.
On April 2nd, DRC National Minister of Environment paid a visit at JACK . I had an interesting meeting with him and the Minister really seemed interested in helping JACK finding the appropriated lands to introduce the orphans of our Refuge. This will be a great step forward: since the early beginning, JACK has been working with Congolese Government but has never had any financial support from it. Today, maybe, DRC will support the next stage of our project which is to get funds in order to release the orphans of our Centre… Lets wait and see !!! .
Other Congolese authorities came with the DRC National Minister of Environment: (1) Mr. Edmond SHABANI KIANZALE C.E.O. of the Congolese Zoological and Botanical Gardens, (2) Mrs. Thérèse LUKENGE KAPWIBWE MWENZE, Katanga Minister of Environment and (3) Mr. Kongolo BIN MALOBA, Katanga Coordinator of Environment.
From the left to the right: (1) Mr. Kongolo BIN MALOBA, Katanga Coordinator of Environment (2) Roxane (3) DRC national Minister of Environment, Mr. José ENDUNDO (4) Katanga Provincial Minister of Environment, Mrs. Thérèse LUKENGE
Then, a few days later, much to my surprise, the Governor of the Katanga Province , Mr. Moïse KATUMBI CHAPWE, AND the DRC President, Mr. Joseph KABILA KABANGE, had a non official visit at JACK. I didn’t know they were coming and didn’t expect them at all ! So, imagine my estonishment when I saw an immense crowd approching the Refuge, DRC President leading the march ! At first, I hardly recognised him, but the crowd was shouting “Welcome Joseph! Joseph!”
On April 6th, DRC President came to visit JACK
Actually, it wasn’t the first visit of the DRC President as, last year, in April 2007, Mr. Joseph KABILA had come and met Franck. So, he knew already about the project and noticed the different improvements that had been done for the last months.
From the left to the right: (1) Governor of Katanga Province, Mr. Moïse KATUMBI (2) Roxane and (3) DRC President, Mr. Joseph KABILA
Katanga Governor, Mr. KATUMBI, accompanied the President and it was his first time at JACK. He seemed interested and I hope he’ll come back again.
Nothing was prepared to welcome them. I had been taken by surprise. Although their visit was very short, I explained the purpose and aims of JACK and both authorities have been able to appreciate the efforts and the work that have been provided to protect the species…
All these meetings and visits were more than very interesting. The only thing I can say to the authorities is “thank you for your intrest”. Now, we just hope some good things will result from all this…
Roxane
So glad to be back!! Had to be off for a while as Franck had left DRC for several meetings and I had to manage work, family and chimps all on my own!
My husband flew to Sierra Leone in order to attend the PASA workshop organised at TACUGAMA CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY.
PASA workshop was hosted by Tacugama Our Refuge Center isn’t a PASA sanctuary yet, but since we had that fire, the PAN AFRICAN SANCTUARY ALLIANCE (PASA) has always been in touch with JACK. It was actually PASA that sent us a vet from Zambia in order to save Touzo’s life.
Managers of all PASA sanctuaries regularly come together to share information
Although JACK isn’t a PASA member yet, Franck is invited to assist some of the PASA meetings and this really is a good opportunity to JACK to explain what is going on with Great Apes here in Southern DRC.
Franck at PASA workshop
Franck updating JACK and explaining chimp trade through our DRC Province
Last year, Franck went to Rwanda. Last week, he was in Freetown. His experience was wonderful and exceptionnal thanks mainly to the kindness and hospitality of Bala Amarasekaran. Managers of other African Primate Sanctuaries were there as well and Franck found it was very interesting to share information and to learn from each other. Thanks again, Doug Cress, to have allowed JACK in presenting its updates !
JACK meeting Tacugama
At Tacugama, Franck also had the opportunity to meet the team of the Great Primate Handshake. Alasdair Davis and Laurence Hall are creating JACK official English website and this latter will be finished soon! Thanks again, Al and Laurence!
Alasdair working with Franck on JACK official website
During my absence, donations arrived end of March. Thanks a lot to Oliver T (25$), Beth A (50$) and an anonymous person (100$) for their one-time donations. We also received a monthly participation of 30$ of another person whose ID hasn’t been mentionned. Thank you again for your support!
Roxane
Hi Everyone! Two weeks ago, I wrote you about that terrible fire and about the painful loss of JAK and TOUZO. I now want to tell how we did to improve the condition of the three remaining chimpanzee babies just after the fire. The first thing we absolutely wanted to organize after the tragedy was to find out a safe place where to put CHITA, BACHI and SHASA. Therefore, Franck and I had a look at the different abandoned enclosures of the Lubumbashi Zoo.
Trying to find the most suitable place
Several aspects had to be taken into account to improve the babies’ security and welfare: - large enclosure = enough space to play and run; - high walls = to prevent chimps from running away and to keep visitors distant; - night facilities = a night enclosure with enough space annexed to the main enclosure; - extra land to build quarantine area, more open air enclosures, a kitchen, an office, etc. The day TOUZO died, and with vet Ian’s participation, we found the most appropriate place to settle the Refuge Centre.
The new enclosure Works could start the day after: all that high grass was cut and burnt and the night enclosure was fixed and painted.
Restoration of night facilities
CHITA, BACHI and SHASA were introduced to their new environment about a week 1/2 later. As it was completely new to them, at the beginning, of course, they were very afraid and it took some time before they felt ready to leave our arms…
Angeline, our first surrogate mother introducing the little ones to their new environment
The first games in the new enclosure
But, we weren’t alone to do all this. Since the fire, two very important and generous people helped us as they believed in us and wanted to support us. The first person who said:” ok, Franck, I’m going to help you” was a French man called Monsieur Pierre THIVILLON. He actually runs the ESPACE ZOOLOGIQUE of SAINT-MARTIN-LA-PLAINE which is a place in France known for its gorillas (remember, I spoke about this place in my previous post!)
Mr. THIVILLON and Franck The day after the sabotage, Mr. Pierre THIVILLON collected money to buy plenty of medical stuff and an electrical fence working with solar panels. He sent us all these things accompanied with one of his gorilla keepers: Mr. Franck CHAMBON. My husband has known Mr. Pierre THIVILLON for years because, when he was a child (Franck comes from France), he used to visit the gorillas of this place very regularly. We can say that Franck’s passion for Great Apes started there thanks to Mr. Pierre, an incredible man! Mr. Franck CHAMBON, the animal keeper, stayed with us two weeks. He gave us details on how to take care of the three remaining chimpanzee babies psychologically affected by the fire and he also showed us how to organize the new enclosure. We learned a lot during his stay. Since then we have become close friends.
Franck, the animal keeper, building nests
Nests being fixed in the night facility
Restored night enclosure But, the new paradise for the little ones couldn’t be restored without the amazing aid and donation of the second generous person I told you about a few lines earlier. This man is actually our main local sponsor without whom the Refuge Center wouldn’t have been established. His name is Monsieur Robert LEVI and he is the C.E.O. of one of the biggest bank recently created in Katanga: the TRUST MERCHANT BANK (TMB) .
Mr. Robert LEVI gave us paint, new gear, cement, uniforms for our workers…all the necessary we needed for a good start!
JACK’s first donation You see, before the fire, it was very difficult to find people eager to join the cause. Most of DRC natives aren’t rich. Here in Katanga, you’ve got plenty of NGO’s working with poor people, beggars, etc. and, when Franck tried to get local sponsors, many of them dryly answered: “Sorry, I already support human orphans, why should I help monkeys???” That’s why, at the early beginnings of JACK, Franck and I had no donations at all and covered all expenses by ourselves…. Therefore, I again want to thank Monsieur Pierre THIVILLON and his team of SAINT-MARTIN-LA-PLAINE as, even today, they still help us and give us many tips (veterinary, logistics, animal behavior, etc). Also, thanks to Monsieur Robert LEVI who is still our main local sponsor and who still believes in what we do. His aid has been vital ever since we started. This is what happened just after the sabotage. At that time, we had 3 little orphans and the sponsorships of SAINT-MARTIN-LA-PLAINE and the TRUST MERCHANT BANK were vital to the Refuge Centre. But today, JACK takes care of 13 chimps, which means that the chimp population at the Centre has been multiplied by 4 and that we need more donations to give these growing little ones all they need!
The orphans of the Refuge Centre Before ending this post, I wish to give a particular attention to a very good friend who has been with us before and after the tragedy. Yes, SIMON, I’m going to talk about you. Mr. Simon HICKS of Conservation Works worked for years in Conservation and, since May 2006, Simon has brought a lot to JACK - and to us !- Franck and I are very grateful to him for all he has done so far. Thanks, Simon! Dear Lucia C, JACK has appreciated your donation ($ 200 ) as well as Cathy R’s ($25) and Kevin C for the $10 monthly donation. All your donations are very important and helpful! “aksanti mingi” (which means ‘thanks a lot’ in Swahili)
Roxane, Franck & the Chimps.
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With the Congolese authorities, we are working to end the illegal trade of chimpanzees in eastern DRC. 
