Caroline and Friends – Three Sweet Girls!

Caroline, Hope and Lucy (from front to back) are all adults who were rescued by In Defense of Animals - Africa as juveniles after poachers killed their mothers and sold, or were attempting to sell, them as pets. They grew up at Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue in Jacky’s social group, which currently has 20 chimpanzees.

Twenty-year-old Caroline suffered abusive treatment longer than the other two before she was rescued, and she bore deep psychological scars. Her stereotypical behavior, which was severe, gradually improved but waxed and waned throughout her adolescence. She was low ranking, easily relinquished her food to other chimpanzees and spent much of her time alone.

The staff of Sanaga-Yong were surprised and delighted to see Caroline’s status improve dramatically during the last year! She started sleeping in the night chamber with dominant male Simon, which may have improved her self-confidence. She no longer has stereotypical behavior, is often surrounded and groomed by friends and only shares food she doesn’t like much. She finally seems happy!

By providing permanent sanctuary for confiscated orphans like Caroline, as well as information and necessary technical assistance to authorities, IDA-Africa and SYCR provide an essential component for law enforcement. Without a sanctuary for confiscated orphans there can be no arrests, prosecutions or convictions of illegal traffickers.

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Photo courtesy of Morgane Hichard