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Amadeus:enjoying his massive new enclosure
Visitors to Chimp Eden now have three magnificent enclosures to view during tours of the Sanctuary, each housing very different family groups.
Our spacious new third enclosure has been home to Amadeus’ nine-strong family group since March this year. The move went well, despite fears that it might take time and prove traumatic for the chimps. Most of the group simply walked through the new underground tunnel to reach the food temptingly laid out on the other side.
“We were hoping the whole group would walk through to the new enclosure, but had a vet on standby in case we had to dart and crate them all,” says sanctuary manager Phillip Cronje. “We weren’t sure if they would be happy to enter the 4m long tunnel.
”After some milling around, all but Claudette and Lika walked happily through - much to everyone’s relief.
“We suspected Lika might be problematic, as she doesn’t like change,” says Phillip. The two ladies were therefore darted and moved while asleep.
Another pleasant surprise was that all the chimps went happily into their new sleeping quarters that first night – despite it being an unfamiliar building. Thereafter, Lika stayed out for a few nights rather than come in – but she’s now sleeping indoors again.
Phillip notes that because the enclosure is much larger than their previous home, the chimps can get away from each other and tourists more easily and have all settled down together better than before.
Once this move was accomplished, Joao’s group could be moved from the restaurant or “baby” camp to the middle enclosure. This group consists predominantly of youngsters, with an all-male adult contingent consisting of old-man Joao (60), Zac (19) and Cozy (14).
This move was easier to manage as the night rooms serve both enclosures, making it a simple matter of closing and opening a different set of doors. Zac literally charged out into his new home, eagerly followed by the youngsters.
Cozy was a little more hesitant to start with. Now that’s he’s settled into his new enclosure, however, his behaviour has improved dramatically. He no longer sees people all the time and has calmed down enormously.
“It has been a very good move for this family. They are enjoying a bigger enclosure and have settled in well,” says Phillip.
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