On the headwaters of the Kafue River, sixty
kilometers west of Chingola, lies the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage. Aside from Chimpanzees, Chimfunshi does have a host of other animals benefiting from the
care of David and Sheila Siddle.
The Siddle's retired to farm at Chimfunshi in
the late seventies. Locally famous for caring for animals, Sheila received in 1983 a young
chimpanzee that had been confiscated from Zairean poachers. The Chimpanzee wasn’t
expected to survive, but Sheila persisted and nursed the animals back to health. That act
of love sparked off a process that has turned Chimfunshi into an internationally
recognised sanctuary and rehabilitation centre. In fact, it is the only successful centre
of its kind in the world; surviving on the tenacity and ingenuity of David and Sheila as
well the financial support of well wishers (as opposed to international wildlife
conservation agencies). Once millions of chimpanzees roamed the forests of 25 countries in
equatorial Africa. Today they are an endangered species.
Chimfunshi is now home to over fifty chimpanzees housed in
two enclosures - one walled and the other solar power electric fencing - with cages for
the new introductions. But Chimfunshi is outgrowing itself. Plans for the acquisition of
more land have developed into the formation of the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust.
The Trust has purchased a neighbouring farm of ten thousand acres. the intention is to
create a 2500 acre fenced enclosure for the chimps while the balance will be dedicated to
a wildlife preserve, education facilities and a tourist lodge. The lengthy process of
acquiring the necessary funds to facilitate this ambitious project have already begun.
Further information can be requested from "Friends of
Chimfunshi" P.O. Box 3555, Kempton Park, 1620 South Africa. Fax: (011) 606-2492.
Donations are urgently needed and can be sent to the same address.
Although Chimfunshi does not cater for tourists just yet,
accommodation is available for paying guests who are genuinely interested in chimpanzees.
Messages to let them know you’re coming can be left at 311293 in Chingola. Fax:
311100.
If you’re in this remote part of north western Zambia,
it is well worth a visit. In fact it’s worth taking a trip here from anywhere in
Zambia, such is the privilege of being able to spend time with these fascinating animals.
In a world of crass commercialism, Chimfunshi thrives on unconditional love and
untrammelled dedication.
CHIMFUNSHI CAMPSITE on the banks of the kafue River
Camping area..........$10 per person per night. Hot showers
available
Thatched Chalet.......$ 20 per person per night, 2 beds with mattreses
For sale: Charcoal - braai packs, coffee, tea, powdered
milk or fresh milk, popcorn, chips, baked beans, bully beef, matches
Bar......Beers and cool drinks
Canoes available
Boat trips.....The Africa Queen with outboard engine and
coxswain, can take between five and six people.
For further information contact Marggie Katola Tel Chingola
311293 during working hours.
See Chimfunshi's own Web page
Chimfunshi Wildlife
Orphanage
See Map for location
Back to The
Copperbelt
CHIMFUNSHI
