Orphan chimpanzee rescued in Republic of Congo finds home in Dorset
Chocolat was rescued from an illegal bushmeat trade, but has now been couriered to her new UK home
Last updated 22nd Aug 2024
An orphan chimpanzee, rescued from the illegal bushmeat trade in the Republic of Congo, has now arrived at her new home in Dorset.
Chocolat's family were hunted and killed when she was an infant, and she subsequently spent 20 years being looked after in Kenya.
She was found to have injuries from shotgun pellets, leaving her with a paralysed hand and foot on her right side.
Now, she's been delivered to Monkey World in Dorset, in a tailor-made courier crate.
The journey, which was planned to reduce the amount of time Chocolat spent in transit, began at Nairobi airport on August 15 and involved a brief stop in Bahrain before arriving at East Midlands Airport the following day, with the chimp then being transported to Monkey World by road.
A DHL spokeswoman said: "Throughout the journey DHL Express provided Chocolat with VIP service, transporting her in a custom-built crate supported by a team of specialist keepers, aircraft engineers, cargo handlers, security personnel, and pilots.
"Throughout the trip Chocolat snacked on fresh fruit, nuts and sweet potato."
Monkey World says it's upgraded Chocolat's enclosure, lowering platforms, creating new nesting areas and hanging cargo nets to make it as accessible as possible.
Director Dr Alison Cronin said "We're so happy to welcome Chocolat.
"The reason we exist is to offer a nurturing environment for chimpanzees and other primates and to give them back a fraction of what has been taken from them by humans, providing them with a family again.
"Companionship of their own kind is vital to chimpanzees' wellbeing, as they are social, intelligent animals.
"Living in family groups in as natural an environment as possible is the best kind of rehabilitation we can provide to chimpanzees like Chocolat.
"Her integration will be gradual, but her journey has been very smooth, thanks to the support of DHL and so far, she is settling in well."