As humans we share 98.8 percent of our DNA with chimpanzees. To get a closer look at our tree climbing relatives, we went chimpanzee tracking in the wild at the Kyamburu Gorge near Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. We found these primates to be elusive, far less friendly than the gorillas. Photographing them proved  difficult because they stayed high up in the trees and when they did descend they immediately took off. The chimp in the above photograph did show some interest and hovered above us but then ran deep into the undergrowth when startled by one of the other visitors. Later in the trip we visited Ngambia Island, a chimpanzee sanctuary in Lake Victoria which is an hour and a half boat ride from Entebbe. 

 

The chimpanzees here were all rescued from dire situations such as having been kidnapped by poachers when they were babies or abandoned by disillusioned pet owners who got more than they bargained for. Chimps are not good candidates for household pets. They are aggressive and can attack when irked. Yes, they do fight. There is a clear pecking order and fights for individual and group dominance are common. Staff members showed us some of their own scars. The are 49 chimps on the island with a limited amount of territory (100 acres of jungle), really not enough for a sustainable balance. Hence, the need for careful oversight.

There is a fence between the administrative compound and the edge of the jungle. Four-fifths of the island is jungle and that is were the chimps are during the day. During the night most are in a holding facility in the administrative compound to which they gravitate because of the availability of food. There they can be checked by the staff veterinarians for illness or wounds.

One female prefers being with people all the time and she has figured out how to go under the electric fence during the day. We were told she takes a stick and lifts the wire. Not only does she escape but she helps the others to escape the jungle as well. Where does she go? To the kitchen, of course. Chimps cannot swim and so there is no chance that they can leave the island, but they can create havoc.

This is the face of the female who figured out how to get past the electric fence. You can see Joanne’s reflection in her eyes as she studied her intently.

The staff throws food over the fence at noon time for a mid-day snack.