March 20-22
Ngamba Island is a chimpanzee sanctuary set up for orphaned and mistreated chimps about 23 km from Entebbe in Lake Victoria. We set out early in the morning for the island for an experience that will be hard to put into words. When we arrived on the island we met up with Byron, a guide for the CSWCT (the authority in charge of the sanctuary), listened to a brief overview of the programs waiting in anticipation for our first glimpse of the chimpanzees. The chimps are fed at regular intervals and eagerly return from their forest adventures to receive fruit and vegi treats from the staff. As we walked up the hill and approached the chimp group we all found it to be a deeply emotional experience. Chimpanzees are amazing creatures with unique personalities, vast displays of emotions and of course very playful behaviours. Each one had its own way of getting attention and there was a clear pecking order in the group of 44 chimps. We were privileged to be taken around the facilities by the head caretaker, Stany, and invited to view the evening feeding and routines.
The next morning we waited for the rain to stop and then participated in a morning forest walk with a group of 8 juvenile chimpanzees. It was an experience that can not be justified with words but there were certain moments that we have to share. The youngest chimp, Rambo, eagerly ran to Ann who swooped him up in her arms and he remained there for the entire hour! Alissa approached Ikuru who was crouched over a puddle. Ikuru quickly grabbed Alissa's arm and proceeded to lather her arm with muddy water to get it clean. Ikuru is known for her friendly practice of grooming the women visitors. She quickly moved onto styling Sue's hair and slicked it back into a retro-do making Ann and Alissa very jealous.
It was an experience of a lifetime and we look forward to sharing pictures later.
P.S. Alissa wishes her students good luck on Monday at school...hopefully you will get started on that work!
Ngamba Island is a chimpanzee sanctuary set up for orphaned and mistreated chimps about 23 km from Entebbe in Lake Victoria. We set out early in the morning for the island for an experience that will be hard to put into words. When we arrived on the island we met up with Byron, a guide for the CSWCT (the authority in charge of the sanctuary), listened to a brief overview of the programs waiting in anticipation for our first glimpse of the chimpanzees. The chimps are fed at regular intervals and eagerly return from their forest adventures to receive fruit and vegi treats from the staff. As we walked up the hill and approached the chimp group we all found it to be a deeply emotional experience. Chimpanzees are amazing creatures with unique personalities, vast displays of emotions and of course very playful behaviours. Each one had its own way of getting attention and there was a clear pecking order in the group of 44 chimps. We were privileged to be taken around the facilities by the head caretaker, Stany, and invited to view the evening feeding and routines.
The next morning we waited for the rain to stop and then participated in a morning forest walk with a group of 8 juvenile chimpanzees. It was an experience that can not be justified with words but there were certain moments that we have to share. The youngest chimp, Rambo, eagerly ran to Ann who swooped him up in her arms and he remained there for the entire hour! Alissa approached Ikuru who was crouched over a puddle. Ikuru quickly grabbed Alissa's arm and proceeded to lather her arm with muddy water to get it clean. Ikuru is known for her friendly practice of grooming the women visitors. She quickly moved onto styling Sue's hair and slicked it back into a retro-do making Ann and Alissa very jealous.
It was an experience of a lifetime and we look forward to sharing pictures later.
P.S. Alissa wishes her students good luck on Monday at school...hopefully you will get started on that work!
Alissa,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as if this will be one of the highlights of your trip..as expected! We can't wait to see the pictures and hear all the details upon your return. Yes, back to school tomorrow...you will be missed that is for sure! I am sure we will be looking at your blog again and again! We look forward to hearing about the workshop. Keep us posted...when you can!
Jackie
Sounds like it was a once in a life time experience! I can't wait to hear more about it!
ReplyDeleteWe will miss you tomorrow Alissa, and you will be in our thoughts all week!!!
Darriel