Kolbi

Estimated birth month December 2019 – Male

Nine-month-old Kolbi found safe haven at Sanaga-Yong in September 2020. A month prior he was confiscated from a village in Cameroon’s Dja Reserve, where poaching is rampant despite the area’s protected status. Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue continues to work diligently with the Cameroon government to improve law enforcement and protect endangered wildlife living in the Reserve.

When Kolbi arrived at the sanctuary, he had several shotgun pellet wounds and a case of sarcoptic mange. He was confused and scared at first, but quickly welcomed the affection of his caregivers and became the sweetest baby boy.

Its imperative orphaned chimpanzees are integrated with other babies as soon as possible. Their physical, mental, and emotional development depends upon relationships with fellow chimps. Since they have lost their mother, human caregivers play an important role as well. At approximately four years of age, babies are physically and mentally prepared to be integrated with a group of older chimpanzees and adopted by one of the females.

So Kolbi, being just nine months old when he arrived, had several years with only his caregivers and needed a chimpanzee friend. In April 2021, 15-month-old Tamara was transferred from a sister sanctuary, Ape Action Africa. The two babies became fast friends, and everyone was so happy for Kolbi!

Then a month later, nine-month-old Ndem was rescued. When he arrived at Sanaga-Yong he was itching and scratching constantly from sarcoptic mange and a fungal skin infection. He was also malnourished, dehydrated, and suffered from a Giardia intestinal infection. Fortunately, his health overall improved quickly, but it took months for him to recover from the skin infection. He was named “Ndem,” which means “my heart” in Bamvele (a dialect widely spoken in the surrounding villages) given the pink pigment in the shape of a heart on his nose. Finally, in November 2021, Ndem joined Kolbi and Tamara.

The three now have formed a strong bond and spend their days together playing, laughing, exploring, and having all kinds of new experiences. They are under the constant loving supervision of their caregivers for a few more years and will enjoy every moment! Kolbi continues to have the sweetest disposition and is a staff and volunteer favorite!