Air transport for Emma, Chicco and Charlie

At Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage in Zambia, more than 150 rescued chimpanzees have found a second chance at life. Here, the animals taken in find a species appropriate habitat which provides them with the greatest possible freedom. The chimpanzees live in carefully integrated groups in forested large outdoor enclosures under close-to natural living conditions. They sleep in tree nests, spend hours searching for food or grooming each other, and swing through dense treetops as they would do in the wild.

MEET EMMA, CHICCO & CHARLIE

After being taken from a zoo that had to close its doors and spending the last 13 years being cared for in a big cat sanctuary in South Africa, Emma, Chicco and Charlie - three adorable chimpanzees - are now seeking a lasting home among their own kind.

When the Tygerberg Zoo in Cape Town was sold and closed in 2012, the Drakenstein Lion Park team in South Africa took over the care of the remaining chimpanzees. Having previously lived in terrible conditions, the chimpanzees found a much better life at the Lion Park, where they live in an environment specially created for them. 

Although they are exceptionally well cared for and can live safely there, the Lion Park cannot provide them with a species-appropriate environment or a life among their own kind. But this is what every animal deserves, and with your help, Emma, Chicco and Charlie can find their forever home.

                                                         

THE RESCUE MISSION

Transporting chimpanzees across borders is complex. From CITES permits, secure travel crates, air and road transport to full quarantine and medical checks – every step must be safe and stress-free. Once at Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphange in Zambia, Emma, Chicco and Charlie will have everything they need: veterinary care, nutritious food, enrichment and, most importantly, a community of chimpanzees to finally call family.

           

WHY NOW?

The opportunity to bring Emma, Chicco and Charlie home is now. Every day counts – the sooner they arrive, the sooner they can begin their healing journey. Without your support, we cannot cover the costs of safe transport and care. Please donate today!

THE IMPACT OF YOUR DONATION 

With your help, Chimfunshi can offer the three chimpanzees a chance to spend their life in a safe environment where they can socialize, explore, and where they can be completely themselves. 

For Chicco, Emma, and Charlie, arriving at Chimfunshi will mark the beginning of a new life. After their rehabilitation, they will become part of a chimpanzee family where they can play freely, groom each other, and feel like they belong. For Chicco, who was born in a laboratory, it will take time to learn natural behavior, but with the support of his new family, he will rediscover what it means to be a chimpanzee.

In their spacious forest enclosures, they will climb trees, search for food, and build nests, rediscovering their long-forgotten instincts. Regular health checks and enrichment activities will help them flourish again. Above all, Chimfunshi will be their forever home, free from the fear of being abused or torn from their family. Here, they will live in safety, dignity and love.

From captivity -- > to community -- > to forever.

DONATE NOW - BRING THEM HOME

Your donation will make this rescue possible. You will gift a home that is the real deal and where family life is the order of the day. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help to build a future in which Emma, Chicco and Charlie can live happily ever after.