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ACCOMMODATION

Chimp Eden Boutique Hotel is a 5 star lodge providing accommodation for JGI Chimpanzee Eden guests. Click here for further info

 

Click on a chimp to view profile - all pictures by Francois Theron

Nikki

Amadeus

Joao

Cozy

Lika Sally
Zeena Jinga Mimi Guida Zac Thomas
Nina Charlie Dinka Zee Josephine Sampa
           
Tony


Age:

aprox. 11

Rescue Date: 1997
Ranked Position: 3rd ranked male
Nikki’s Story: Nikki was rescued by the Jane Goodall Institute in 1997 from Liberia. Orphaned by the Bushmeat trade, Nikki was raised by an expatriot South African that did not quite know how to raise a chimpanzee, so he was raised as a human infant. Nikki wore clothes, and was taught the same routines such as eating at the table using cutlery etc. Arriving in South Africa, Nikki was only 3 years old and was fully clothed and had a suitcase with additional outfits. His owner did care very much for Nikki but it was time for Nikki to become a chimpanzee once again. As there was no sanctuary in South Africa at that stage, the Johannesburg Zoo agreed to take care of Nikki until the Jane Goodall Sanctuary was developed. Under the supervision of the Head Curator of the Johannesburg Zoo and now Sanctuary Manager of JGI Chimpanzee Eden, Phillip Cronje, Nikki was introduced to other chimpanzees at the zoo. Sanctuary development was delayed until March of 2006. At this time the Johannesburg zoo decided that their chimpanzee group dynamics had changed with too many males in the group. Nikki was relocated to the sanctuary and became the first chimpanzee at the sanctuary. Since then Nikki has formed a vital part in the rehabilitation process of the adult group due to his above average intelligence and willingness to interact with the keepers. He is always the first chimpanzee to study the rehabilitation gadgets set up by JGI inside the enclosures and enjoys the challenges set by them, whether it be direct or indirect. Although he might be the most intelligent, of the adult group, he fits into 3rd position in the adult hierarchy. He never initiates conflict between himself and another adult male and has been known to treat the females a bit rough
Personality: Intelligent, interactive and non-aggressive. Nikki is interested in all forms of challenge, whether it be to remove artificial objects placed by rehabilitation staff or whether it be to enjoy the results of the using the gadgets successfully. 
Rehabilitation Status: All chimpanzees at JGI Chimpanzee Eden have traumatic pasts being orphaned by the bush meat trade. Some of them have spent their entire lives in captivity and have not learnt the basic skill of being chimpanzees. Although protocols are being developed for wild re-introduction, chimpanzees are also rehabilitated to acquire all the skills necessary to interact socially and to survive in the African Bush. As they progress, they are provided with larger fenced camps. The following skills are essential and a priority in the 1st stage rehabilitation process. The sanctuary indicates the response to rehabilitation from level 1 to 5. 1 Being poor and 5 being excellent. The sanctuary is in the process of developing the 2nd stage rehabilitation which will be introduced in the future enclosures. 
Acceptance by group  4
Social interaction – Grooming  5
Social interaction – Playing  5
Tree Climbing 5
Threat identification – snakes, spiders, scorpions etc. 5
Foraging 5
Tool use - sticks 5
Tool use - stones 4
Summary: As the results show, Nikki has responded as well as can be expected. Nikki spends most of his time on these challenges and has therefore shown great results. Nikki is responsible for identifying a snake in the enclosure; although he did not make the kill he was successful in warning the rest of the group of the impending danger. The snake was killed by Amadeus. Everyone working with Nikki finds him to be a delight and a warm personality. One will truly be entertained by his antics on the research cams and his collection of video clips.

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Age:  approx. 13
Rescue Date: 1997
Ranked Position: 2nd ranked male
Amadeus’ story: As a result of the bush meat trade Amadeus was also orphaned in Angola and rescued by the original mission of 1997. He grew up with Abu and Nikki at the Johannesburg Zoo whilst waiting for the JGI South Africa sanctuary to open its doors which did not come until March of 2006. He was relocated with Nikki and Abu to the sanctuary to solve the dynamics of the Johannesburg Zoo group and was the 3rd chimpanzee to be released into the holding area.
Amadeus has developed in more than one way in the sanctuary and has showed great strides in the development of his self confidence and physical size. Amadeus was notoriously known as an escape artist and escaped a few times at the Johannesburg Zoo. It was felt that he might adapt better at the sanctuary and was moved here. On his first release day with Abu and Nikki into the training enclosure (chimpanzees are subject to small enclosure with electric fencing at lower voltage, this is to prepare chimpanzees for their higher voltage enclosure), he could not resist the allure presented by the wild forest and hopped over the fence in an awesome display of agility and strength. Now in the training enclosure his only desire was to pluck flowers and enjoy fruit from the guava trees in the forest. Not displaying any danger to keepers and sanctuary manager, Amadeus was reunited with his friends in the training enclosure without serious incident. This event left not a staff member without tears in their eyes due to the passion that these animals harbor for a wild environment. On a different front Amadeus has developed physically to such an extent that he no longer responds to Abu’s displaying; when challenged he shows dominance but shows no desire to lead the group. Will he eventually take over the group? Only time will tell.
Personality: Amadeus is a caring chimpanzee and truly non aggressive; only provoked by the action of outsiders or the displaying of other males in the group.  He shows more emotion than any other chimpanzee at the sanctuary.
Rehabilitation Status: All chimpanzees at JGI Chimpanzee Eden have traumatic pasts being orphaned by the bush meat trade.  Some of them have spent their entire lives in captivity and have not learnt the basic skill of being chimpanzees.  Although protocols are being developed for wild re-introduction, chimpanzees are also rehabilitated to acquire all the skills necessary to interact socially and to survive in the African Bush. 
As they progress, they are provided with larger fenced camps.  The following skills are essential and a priority in the 1st stage rehabilitation process.  The sanctuary indicates the response to rehabilitation from level 1 to 5.  1 Being poor and 5 being excellent.  The sanctuary is in the process of developing the 2nd stage rehabilitation which will be introduced in the future enclosures.
Acceptance by group  5
Social interaction – Grooming  5
Social interaction – Playing  2
Tree Climbing 5
Threat identification – snakes, spiders, scorpions etc. 5
Foraging 5
Tool use - sticks 2
Tool use - stones 0
Summary: Amadeus shows us to what extent these primates can exhibit emotion. Female visitors to the sanctuary are intrigued by how he stares at them. Amadeus has the ability to take over the group and would be a great leader.  However he does not show ambition for this and in general keeps a low profile.  He is showing interest in tool use and has started to develop his skills in this area.  If you are interested to find out what a well mannered chimpanzee is like, this is the chimpanzee for you to adopt.

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Age:   approx. 43
Rescue Date: April 2006
Ranked Position: Alpha Male – Infant Camp
Joao’s Story: With his distinctive looks, Joao is the oldest resident at Chimpanzee Eden and could even be the oldest in South Africa.  Joao arrived at the Maputo Zoo in Mozambique when he was 3 years old, left behind by a touring Circus company.  At that stage he had a companion but soon after the war broke out in Mozambique, the war lasted for more than 30 years and Joao saw it from start to finish.  His companion past away falling ill to an unknown virus leaving Joao in isolation from another chimpanzee until April 2006 when JGI South Africa convinced the zoo to release him to the care of JGI Chimpanzee Eden.  Joao’s integration with other chimpanzees was not easy; he had a smoking and alcohol addiction which also had to be broken.  The adult group did not accept him and he preferred to be with humans, taking every opportunity to attempt escape.  Eventually the plan was formulated to integrate him with the infants that spent time adjacent to him in the quarantine.  It was a match made in heaven, Joao preferred to be in this environment, which also one of the rehabilitation staff going in with him.  This ensured that Joao did not want to leave the enclosure whilst he got used to being with other chimpanzees.  He now enjoys being a ‘granddad’ to the infants and with one other adult male chimpanzee in his enclosure, Cozy.
Personality: Joao enjoys being a ‘granddad’ to the 2 infants in his enclosure.  He affectionately handles the infants and also breaks up any conflict situation that might arise.  He still enjoys the company of his human rehabilitator, taking his hand and leading him on a tour of the enclosure every time he goes in.
Rehabilitation Status: All chimpanzees at JGI Chimpanzee Eden have traumatic pasts being orphaned by the bush meat trade.  Some of them have spent their entire lives in captivity and have not learnt the basic skill of being chimpanzees.  Although protocols are being developed for wild re-introduction, chimpanzees are also rehabilitated to acquire all the skills necessary to interact socially and to survive in the African Bush. As they progress, they are provided with larger fenced camps.  The following skills are essential and a priority in the 1st stage rehabilitation process.  The sanctuary indicates the response to rehabilitation from level 1 to 5.  1 Being poor and 5 being excellent.  The sanctuary is in the process of developing the 2nd stage rehabilitation which will be introduced in the future enclosures.  
Acceptance by group  5
Social interaction – Grooming  2
Social interaction – Playing  2
Tree Climbing 5
Threat identification – snakes, spiders, scorpions etc. 5
Foraging 5
Tool use - sticks 2
Tool use - stones n/a
Summary:  Joao is calm chimp but ensures for plenty of interaction inside the enclosure.  Although it is very unlikely that Joao would ever leave Chimp Eden, he definitely enjoys his new haven.  Joao displays the characteristics of a true leader, taking care of the ones under his protection and does not waste too much time on displaying.  If you would like to see wonderful interactions between infants and an adult chimpanzee, than Joao is a definite chimp for you to adopt.

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Age:   approx. 11
Rescue Date:  April 2006
Ranked Position: 2nd ranking male – infant enclosure
Cozy’s Story: Cozy was born in America and sold to an entertainer in Italy. JGI South Africa is not responsible for the rescue of European chimpanzees but felt compelled to rescue Cozy who was in a dilapidated state. Living the life of a Gipsy, his owner traveled constantly in 2 caravan vehicles, the owner drove one and his girlfriend the other. Cozy was at a very young age when his owner died suddenly, leaving his girlfriend stranded next to the road without any plan for the future. Time went past with both of them being stranded where they originally stopped the caravan. His now sole guardian worked at a night club near the location of their caravans and barely made enough money to survive. 10 years past and JGI Italy heard of the chimpanzee, JGI South Africa and Dr. Jane Goodall was informed as well and a rescue mission followed suite. Cozy was in dark isolation for the better part of his life and the effects where visible. The mission was an urgent priority as no other sanctuary in Europe could take him at such short notice. Cozy was confined to a 1.5m by 1.5m cage for such a long time that most of his muscle mass had disappeared. Once at the sanctuary, cozy could hardly walk and had no chance of attempting to climb. A long process of rehabilitation had started and it was decided that Cozy should rather join the infants in their enclosure as he would stand no chance in the adult enclosure. Day by day his human rehabilitator persuaded him to climb a tree, slowly Cozy made progress and after 6 months he could climb any tree in the enclosure. Cozy is one of the biggest success stories of the techniques used at the sanctuary and has given this chimpanzee a life worth living for.
Personality: Cozy has a colorful personality, constantly entertaining himself, visitors and his fellow chimpanzees.  He loves to interact with visitors through the fence and enjoys being in the sun.  He does have aggressive tendencies and outbursts when exposed to things that remind him of his past.
Rehabilitation Status: All chimpanzees at JGI Chimpanzee Eden have traumatic pasts being orphaned by the bush meat trade.  Some of them have spent their entire lives in captivity and have not learnt the basic skill of being chimpanzees.  Although protocols are being developed for wild re-introduction, chimpanzees are also rehabilitated to acquire all the skills necessary to interact socially and to survive in the African Bush. As they progress, they are provided with larger fenced camps.  The following skills are essential and a priority in the 1st stage rehabilitation process.  The sanctuary indicates the response to rehabilitation from level 1 to 5.  1 Being poor and 5 being excellent.  The sanctuary is in the process of developing the 2nd stage rehabilitation which will be introduced in the future enclosures.
Acceptance by group  3
Social interaction – Grooming  0
Social interaction – Playing  4
Tree Climbing 3
Threat identification – snakes, spiders, scorpions etc. 1
Foraging 5
Tool use - sticks 0
Tool use - stones n/a
Summary: Cozy’s rehabilitation says it all;  he had been deprived of any chance to develop his skill whilst he was growing up and therefore the sanctuary will have to keep him in a constant rehabilitation program until he has the necessary skills to be a chimpanzee.  However, Cozy is the star at the sanctuary and people come from far away to see him, he always attempts to interact and is known for having hilarious facial expressions.  Cozy is sure to make you laugh with his antics.

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Age:  approx. 13
Rescue Date: October 2006
Ranked Position:  female - adult enclosure
Lika’s Story: Also an orphan of the bush meat trade, Lika was rescued from Luanda; Angola.  When we first found Lika we were shocked that an animal living in such conditions could survive for so long.  She was kept in a dark brick cage with dimensions barely acceding 4 square meters.  Although the owner cared for her deeply, he had nowhere to send her as Angola itself only emerged from a long term civil war recently.  She clearly displayed signs of stereotypical behavior, shaking her head and walking up and down the front of the cage.  Everyone involved knew that if she was not rescued soon that she would not survive due to the sanitary conditions as well as due to the exhaust fumes that where venting on her cage. It’s sad to say that it took JGI South African more than 2 years to negotiate their freedoms and in October 2006 she was rescued with 4 other chimpanzees.  Lika had trouble adjusting to other chimpanzees, during integrations processes she would hide away discouraging contact with other chimpanzees.  It took 5 months for the sanctuary manager to successfully integrate Lika into the adult chimpanzee group and the results have been worth the wait.  Lika has lost all signs of her stereotypical behavior and she eventually shed her solitary behavior and started engaging in social behavior with her fellow chimpanzees.  All chimpanzees are subject to a routine which includes entering the sleeping quarters at 4 pm each day.  Lika on the other hand enjoyed her freedom so much that she refused to come in and only after 2 weeks did she accept the routine and enjoyed the comforts of the indoor sleeping quarters.
Personality: Lika is very insecure and is easily intimidated by the other chimps in her group.  She keeps to herself most of the day but has recently started with socializing behavior.  She is non-aggressive and highly intelligent.
Rehabilitation Status: All chimpanzees at JGI Chimpanzee Eden have traumatic pasts being orphaned by the bush meat trade.  Some of them have spent their entire lives in captivity and have not learnt the basic skill of being chimpanzees.  Although protocols are being developed for wild re-introduction, chimpanzees are also rehabilitated to acquire all the skills necessary to interact socially and to survive in the African Bush. 
As they progress, they are provided with larger fenced camps.  The following skills are essential and a priority in the 1st stage rehabilitation process.  The sanctuary indicates the response to rehabilitation from level 1 to 5.  1 Being poor and 5 being excellent.  The sanctuary is in the process of developing the 2nd stage rehabilitation which will be introduced in the future enclosures.
Acceptance by group  5
Social interaction – Grooming  5
Social interaction – Playing  4
Tree Climbing 5
Threat identification – snakes, spiders, scorpions etc. 5
Foraging 5
Tool use - sticks 4
Tool use - stones 5
Summary: Lika has made a remarkable recovery and the sanctuary manager is confident that she will keep progressing in her behavior. 

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Age:  approx. 3 
Rescue Date:  July 2006
Ranked Position:  Infant female
Sally’s Story: Sally was first spotted in early 2005 at a beach front restaurant in Luanda Angola. The South African expatriate workers that eventually took care of her explained that she was kept in a small cage and that she was absolute terrified of being left alone. They convinced the owners of the restaurant to part with her and she spent more than a 1 and a half years living in a small housing development, isolated from the harsh living conditions that the people of Luanda were enduring on a daily basis. It’s due to the good care that she received from the compassionate expatriates that the trauma of her past was limited. Fortunately JGI South Africa was able to relocate her to the JGI Chimpanzee Eden sanctuary in April 2006. Due to Sally not fearing humans, it has made it a lot easier for the rehabilitators to teach her the necessary skills that her mother would have done in the wild. She listens and concentrates intently when the rehabilitators teach her the tool making and hydrating techniques, and has had better results than any of the other chimpanzees in the infant enclosure.
Personality: She still appreciates human contact but interacts with the other chimpanzees all day long.  She is non-aggressive and only acts aggressively when provoked by the other infant, Zeena. 
Rehabilitation Status: All chimpanzees at JGI Chimpanzee Eden have traumatic pasts being orphaned by the bush meat trade.  Some of them have spent their entire lives in captivity and have not learnt the basic skill of being chimpanzees.  Although protocols are being developed for wild re-introduction, chimpanzees are also rehabilitated to acquire all the skills necessary to interact socially and to survive in the African Bush. As they progress, they are provided with larger fenced camps.  The following skills are essential and a priority in the 1st stage rehabilitation process.  The sanctuary indicates the response to rehabilitation from level 1 to 5.  1 Being poor and 5 being excellent.  The sanctuary is in the process of developing the 2nd stage rehabilitation which will be introduced in the future enclosures.  
Acceptance by group  4
Social interaction – Grooming  1
Social interaction – Playing  3
Tree Climbing 5
Threat identification – snakes, spiders, scorpions etc. 2
Foraging 5
Tool use - sticks 0
Tool use - stones n/a
Summary: Sally has exceptional results for an infant chimpanzee, primarily due to her interaction with the rehabilitation staff.  Sally is one of the primary candidates for full rehabilitation.   She is undoubtedly the most famous chimpanzee at the sanctuary due to the difficult and frustrating rescue effort to get her to safety.
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