Chimps are Definitely Humans' Cousins, Based on Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Uganda
If we had any doubt that chimpanzees share over 98% of human
genes, our trip to Ngamba Island Chimp Sanctuary put that to rest. They use tools, groom each other, entertain themselves and their audience,
make funny noises and faces, love being carried when they are little, and want
to be consoled when they are hurt.
They are also clever, aggressive, omnivorous, and opportunistic. Sound familiar?
You can drive to Lewa, visit The Mara,
fly in a
charter plane, gawk at
gorillas
and pygmies,
then play with
giraffes and elephants.
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| A 1.5 hour
boat ride on Lake Victoria near Entebbe, UG took us to our next adventure. |
3 of 4
Walleighs can prove they were at Ngamba Chimp Sanctuary! |
(Above L) Our tent-cabins were comfy (Above C) for the night, though
we did have to pre-arrange the time of our shower so that solar-heated hot water could be hand-carried and dumped into a sack. Only Adrian, Michelle and Chris needed to use an outdoor shower (Above R). |
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| Almost as soon
as our luggage hit the tent floor, we were off to view chimps from the platform. |
Nuzzling chimp couple. | Since all the
chimps are orphans, with no parent- child role models, it's unusual that 1 baby was adopted by a female chimp. |
One instinct
that remains among all chimps is grooming. Everyone needs a warm touch. |
Though some
chimps were in the forest at 1st, they began to gather for snack time. |
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Though chimps are not people, it's hard not to project our thoughts
and emotions when they have expressions like these! (Above L to R): Good dental hygiene; alpha asserts authority; hoarding tasty treats; "who me?" and finally, "I won't, I won't, I won't." |
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Like children everywhere (when not whining or crying hysterically),
little chimps are extra cute (Above L to R): Watch me climb a tree; carry me cuz I'm tired; ooh look what I found; and are those my tasty toes? |
The oldest
alpha male is respected and feared by all chimps though he looks calm here. |
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| Honey, would
you get that spot on the right side? |
Chimps sleep
in new tree nests every night. With new straw from the bottom of the enclosure, each chimp makes a nest nightly in the hammocks. |
Like Oliver
Twist, this chimp wants more porridge. |
Dressed in
matching coveralls, Chris, Michelle, Jenny, Mary Jo & Bill are off to play with chimps on the forest walk. |
As we say
good-bye to Ngamba Island, it looks like we're leaving Robinson Crusoe's home. |