Projet H.E.L.P. Sanctuaire de Conkouati : un nouvel espoir pour les chimpanzés

In the Republic of Congo, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are in a very critical situation. mainly due to the destruction of their habitat and to poaching. Situated in the south of the country, the Faunal Reserve of Conkouati (144 000 ha) hosts, since 1991, a sanctuary for orphan chimpanzees managed by the H.E.L.P. Project (« Habitat Ecologique et Liberté des Primates ») and Mrs Alielle Jamart. She had created a nursery in Pointe-Noire, in 1989, which has been moved two years later in Conkouati Laguna, where the government allocated three islands to the association, now recognized as an N.G.O.

During our stay (February to July 1996), the project took charge of 44 chimpanzees and a few other primates. Most ot them (31) were ranging half- freely on the islands, the last 13 forming the new nursery. Though not self-sufficient, these animals are well-readapted to their natural environment. The purpose of this project is to protect chimps and help them to return to a wild habitat.

An adequate zone (The Triangle) has been delimited to try a release of some individuals, under scientific and veterinary monitoring. At present, there have been two « positive » attempts, but more time is needed to claim these are really successful.