Simossa

Est. Birth May 2002

Simossa was orphaned as a tiny infant when her mother was killed by a poacher for the illegal bushmeat trade. Her convoluted journey to Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center is one that exemplifies the complex issues surrounding hunting in Cameroon, and the volatility the sanctuary and fellow rescue partners face in this multifaceted cultural landscape.

At six months old, Simossa was taken in by a European couple, Geoffrey and Cecile, who for five years raised her as their “daughter” in a luxurious – at least by bush standards – hunting camp, deep in the forest of southeast Cameroon.

Over the years, Geoffrey came into increasing conflict with commercial bushmeat hunters in his hunting concession. He commonly saw commercial hunters taking out truckloads of dead animals of all species to sell in urban markets. This type of mass slaughter is wiping out animal populations in forests throughout Cameroon. As he tried to interfere with the illegal business of local hunters, tensions mounted. The situation became so dangerous for the couple they were forced to flee Cameroon and in doing so, sought sanctuary for Simossa with Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center.

Today, Simossa is a kind young adult in Mintak’s social group of twelve chimpanzees, who share an enclosure complex that includes 7.5 acres of forest. She still understands how to communicate with humans better than most rescued orphans, but now she chooses to spend most of her time interacting with her chimpanzee friends.