The world seems to have paused at these uncertain times, but here at Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust we are still giving the best of ourselves to take care and keeping our 134 rescued chimpanzees safe at the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary.

With positive cases in over 180 countries, the first confirmed Zambian COVID-19 case was reported the 18th of March 2020. Since then, the numbers have been slowly increasing.

At this stage it is unknown how the virus could affect the chimpanzees, however, experts are predicting it could be fatal if it infects great apes. Therefore, to fully protect Chimfunshi workers and chimpanzees, we have made the difficult decision to close the sanctuary to visitors, researchers, and volunteers until further notice. As you can imagine this is a very challenging situation for our animal welfare and conservation duty.

Without visitor, researcher, and volunteer income coupled with country wide increasing prices, we will be facing extremely difficult times ahead, despite Chimfunshi having the support from our main private donors.

It is unknown until when this current situation will last and we need your support to help us get through this global crisis. Your donation will provide us the help that we need to keep our chimps and workers safe.

Please donate to help the chimpanzees!

On behalf of everyone at Chimfunshi and Sheila Siddle, thank you for your support!