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 absolute 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
URGENT APPEAL FOR FUNDING.
Because of their gregarious nature, strong group structure, and not least the dangers they would face from poachers and the illegal trade in live animals and game meat, it is not realistic to return them to the wild.
Like their human cousins, chimpanzees enjoy a long life span (45-60 years) so consequently those Chimfunshi will need care and protection for decades to come.
In 2002, an Education Centre was built to provide a facility to teach the youth of Zambia about ecology and wildlife conservation. It is also used by local and international students researching group behavior and ethnic studies. The Trust bears the cost of bringing groups of under privileged children to Chimfunshi, while those from affluent societies are charged a moderate fee to cover expenses.
REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE
The Trustees would kindly request a donation for the funding assistance of our daily operations at our Orphanage.
Monthly costs of caring for the chimpanzees amount to over 108,000,000 Kwacha (approximately US 30,000) a month and CWOT has been, and continues to be supported by visitors and well-wishers from home and abroad.
The Trustees now face a financial crisis that threatens the well being of the chimpanzees and survival of Chimfunshi. The most pressing expenses are:
Purchase of fruit and vegetables from neighbouring villagers. In this manner, the Trust inject K120,000,000 per annum (approximately USD33,000) into an economically depressed area of Zambia.
Purchase of mealie-meal and other food supplements for the chimpanzees – including 100 litres per day of fresh milk as the protein substitute in the diet of these omnivores.
Fuel and repairs for the Trust vehicles – 75kms from Chingola, the round trip of 150kms is undertaken twice weekly to collect fresh food for the chimps. The vehicles (a 4-tonne Cantor and a landcruiser) both require a major overhaul.
Sponsorship to bring under-privileged school groups to the Education Centre.
This appeal for immediate help is being sent out while plans for the future development and longer term funding of CWOT are being formulated. Any assistance, however large or small in either Kwacha or US Dollars will be GRATEFULLY received. Donations should be sent to P.O Box 11190, Chingola. Cheques should be made out to CHIMFUNSHI WILDLIFE ORPHANAGE TRUST.
Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust is a registered charity and all donations are fully tax-deductible.
If you require additional information, please contact the Trust at this address.
Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust
Reg. Charity ZRA – TPIN 8000000592703
P.O Box 11190
Chingola
ZAMBIA
Tel/Fax: 0260-21-2-311293
Email: chimps@coppernet.zm
CHIMFUNSHI
