The Chimp Rehab Trust's vital work in Gambia

Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Trust

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The CRT's Current Projects
Success Experienced by the CRT
Future Targets of the CRT
How Can I Help?

who is the CRT?

The CRT (Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Trust) was officially registered as a UK charity in 2000, although its projects have been running for many years before that. It began operations in 1969 and has since that time been working to give orphaned chimpanzees the chance to grow up independently, within its natural environment.

It was started by the late Stella Marsden (who sadly passed away earlier this year) who was presented with her first orphaned chimp 'William' in 1968. The following year, after William, came a number of other chimps, mainly seized from the illegal pet trade. An acceptable solution / home was needed to care for all the orphaned chimps and after a couple of unsuitable relocations the group took residence in 1979 in their current home the River Gambia National Park in Gambia (North West Africa). See below map.

The CRT location within the River Gambia National Park in Gambia

The CRT solution was the first of its kind but its good work and positive results led to a further 18 projects within Africa being set-up.

What are the CRT's current projects?

'Frankie' having a ponder

The CRT's main priority continues to be the welfare and safeguarding of the present group of chimps. This can be classified into guarding against poaching, protecting the land and monitoring the general health of group members. The group has experienced healthy breeding over the last couple of decades and the plan is to maintain this for the want of increasing population numbers.

The chimps share their home by the river with 8 neighbouring villages who are also benefiting from the work conducted by the CRT. Funds have been and continue to be made available for the sponsoring of local children so they can attend a nearby school. The money helps pay for teachers and resources so children can be better educated and hopefully have a better chance of working their way out of poverty. Part of the curriculum includes developing an awareness of the chimps and their importance to the area. Showing how the two can live in harmony on the islands by the river.

Badi Mayo visitors viewing platform

As funding has always been tight for the CRT they now offer a new visitor facility called Badi Mayo, which opened in 2006. It offers opportunities for 8 people at a time to visit the area and stay on average for 3-4 nights. During this time they take numerous trips down the river to view the chimps and other wildlife in the area (e.g. hippos). Added to this are evening talks and discussions about the chimps where visitors get to ask questions to the CRT staff.

what success has the CRT had?

Since the CRT's arrival to the River Gambia National Park in 1979 the number of chimpanzees has grown to 86 chimpanzees. 19 of these are original rehabilities and the others being first and second (yes there are a couple of grandparents in the group) offspring. This represents an increase of two new baby chimps each year.

'Diao' posing for the camera

A study conducted by the CRT also demonstrated that the demographics of these chimps were no different to a cluster of truly wild chimps. Showing that the CRT had successfully achieved the rehabilitation of numerous chimps to survive independently and go on to produce offspring. The CRT see no end in sight for this project, if humans continue to pose a danger to the chimps then they will be around to help protect them.

The school scheme has been a revelation for the local people with more than 300 children currently being sponsored at the local primary school. Not only that but the CRT is helping with vital maintenance and repairs to the school. Another facility brought to the area by the CRT is a small clinic where local people can receive advice and medical treatment from a qualified nurse.

In short the CRT has proved successful not just for the chimps but also the local people who inhibit the area. It has saved and bred numerous chimps and also brought direct and indirect employment to those searching for work.

future targets?

The future targets are to maintain and continue the good work already done. The CRT's main purpose now is the protection and monitoring of our 86 chimps and their offspring and ensuring that we are able to sustain the project for the foreseeable future. The continued schooling of local children is also high on the future targets list.

how can i help?

The chimpanzee is our closest non-human, primate relative and one that shares similar feelings and behaviour patterns as us. Sadly there numbers are plummeting, largely due to the bushmeat trade but it is good to know many hard working institutions such as the CRT exist for their protection. We need to funnel more money there way to help them carry on their duties so why not donate through MacMac Clothing today by purchasing a Chubby Chimp T-shirt

If you would like to read more about the CRT and its activities please Click Here