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Special visitors for the chimps
The chimpanzees entertained a special group of children from the Dasha Foundation, a school for the physically challenged, last month.
Sanctuary manager Phillip Cronje says the chimpanzees instantly recognised that these kids were different, and behaved accordingly.
“Animals pick up on disabilities, and our chimps were on their best behaviour,” he says. “The babies were not as loud as usual, while Abu and Amadeus moved off quietly after watching the children for a while. Nikki entertained them by running up and down the fence clapping. There was no stone-throwing or unruly behaviour and I could see that the chimps understood that these kids were special.”
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Janli and David of Dasha loved their visit to the chimps |
Organisers: Fiona Jones of The Market, Charmaine Woods
of Woolworths and Karen Brower, Dasha Foundation volunteer
and Group Training Manager for Virgin Active in
Nelspruit |
The children were collected in Land Rovers, courtesy of the AutoTec Foundation, and driven to the sanctuary where they were treated to a delicious party spread kindly provided by Woolworths.
The day was organised by Karen Brower, Dasha Foundation volunteer and Group Training Manager for Virgin Active in Nelspruit, Fiona Jones of The Market, and Charmaine Woods of Woolworths.
“I have never been so humbled in my life,” says Fiona. “The kids have big problems but they are so amazing, so happy. It was such a beautiful day for me.”
“The children really enjoyed themselves,” says Karen. “Raymond, a highly intelligent autistic 18-year-old, was absolutely fascinated that the chimps’ DNA is so close to that of humans, and quizzed tour guide Johan mercilessly. When I met one of the mums in the gym a bit later, she told me that her child, who doesn’t talk, had not stopped blabbing since the visit.”
The Dasha Foundation, based in Nelspruit, is privately funded and is currently looking for a larger piece of land. If you can help in any way, please contact principal Shirley Parsons on 076 503 0886.
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