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CHIMPOSIUM '99 A SMASHING SUCCESS
The Friends of Chimfunshi turned its annual general meeting into a celebration of everything chimp and Chimfunshi, hosting approximately 175 guests at its Chimposium ‘99 at the Italian Club in Johannesburg on November 20. Highlights included an address by Chimfunshi co-founder Sheila Siddle, the presentation of the inaugural Chimfunshi Pal Award to wildlife activist Karl Ammann, and the debut of Chimfunshi’s first television advertisement. An exhibit by South African photographer Martin Harvey of Chimfunshi pictures also drew high praise.
KARL AMMANN WINS PAL AWARD
Noted wildlife author, activist and photographer Karl Ammann accepted the inaugural Chimfunshi Pal Award at the Chimposium ‘99 fete on Nov. 20 in Johannesburg. Ammann, who also gave a slide show presentation on the ravages of the bushmeat trade at the party, sounded a stern warning. "There is still so much work to be done," he said.
CHIMFUNSHI TV ADVERTISEMENT TO DEBUT IN JANUARY
Chimfunshi’s first television advertisement will hit the airwaves in January, 2000. Compiled by South African producer Mags Reddy and his company, AfriCommunications, the 30-second spot includes music donated by the rock group, Juluka, and an appearance by American actress Sheryl Lee. Footage of Chimfunshi co-founders David and Sheila Siddle and the sanctuary chimps was provided by The Talking Pictures Company, along with photo images donated by Karl Ammann.
CHIMFUNSHI MERCHANDISE PROVES A HIT
The new-look Chimfunshi logo is driving merchandise sales, including t-shirts, caps, mugs, mousepads, aprons, key chains and pins. In addition, Year 2000 calendars featuring the 12 Chimfunshi babies make great Christmas gifts. For more information, call the Friends of Chimfunshi at 27-11-394-0465.
CAMPAIGN TO RESCUE KINSHASA CHIMPS GOES GLOBAL
The plight of the 12 chimpanzees dying of malnutrition and neglect in the Kinshasa Zoological Gardens in the Democratic Republic of Congo made front-page news following a press conference organized by the Friends of Chimfunshi on Nov. 18 in Johannesburg. Joining with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the Bushmeat project, Chimfunshi called for South Africa’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, to intervene on behalf of the chimps. News reports from the press conference appeared in Europe, the United States and throughout Africa.
ALPHIE'S STORY ONE FOR THE BOOKS
The saga of Alphie, the orphaned chimp who was smuggled across three countries before winding up at Chimfunshi in March, 1999, will soon appear in book form. "Alphie’s Amazing Journey" has been accepted by the Maskew Miller Longman publishing company of South Africa and will be released as part of its "On Track With English" series, a Grade 5 reader that will be issued as part of the South African school curriculum after 2002.
CHIMFUNSHI BUILDING BOOM
Construction on the two 500-acre enclosures is progressing rapidly, with both handling facilities nearing completion and most of the fence lines cleared away. Early 2000 remains the target date for opening the enclosures, which should accommodate approximately half of Chimfunshi's chimps in the world's largest sanctuaries. Meanwhile, the nearby airstrip has been cut from the forest, although about 20 large ant hills still need to be removed.
BOOGIE PASSES AWAY
Chimfunshi lost a dear friend on May 14 when Boogie, a male who was confiscated from an Egyptian circus along with Tamtam in 1994, died in his sleep. Although sluggish and seemingly ill with the flu the day before, Boogie showed no outward signs of trauma. He will be greatly missed.
BUFFY ARRIVES
Chimfunshi gained its 71st chimp when Buffy, a 14 year old female who had been living alone for two years at an animal park in Zimbabwe, was transferred on September 20. Although initially shy and frightened, Buffy quickly adapted and now greets the other females and juveniles loudly. It is hoped she will join the chimps in the 7-acre walled enclosure.
CONGO CHIMPS HELD HOSTAGE
International primate experts have condemned the treatment of 16 chimpanzees kept at zoos in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The zoos lack the funds or staff to care for them properly, and the chimps are said to be starving. Chimfunshi has offered to take all 16, but Congolese officials are holding out for foreign donations they say will go towards the chimps.
WELL-DRESSED RANGERS
Much-needed uniforms for the Chimfunshi staff have been donated by Voyagers Rentals, the car hire company that ferries visitors between Chimfunshi and Ndola. In addition, Nike has donated boots for the staff. A heart-felt thank you to both companies!
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