Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

Afrika is a sweet and playful baby chimp.  She lives at a special sanctuary on a big island in Lake Victoria.  This lake is found in southern Uganda, in Eastern Africa.  Here at the sanctuary Afrika is one of the smallest members of a group of rescued orphan chimps.  She is starting to learn to look for food, groom her friends and behave like a wild chimp. 

Afrika was born early 2007 and her short life has been full of sadness.  She was just a few months old when she was found by wildlife rangers in a tiny wooden cage.  The tiny chimp had been put there by poachers, who had killed her mother and family.  There is a terrible trade selling baby chimps as pets, even though this is illegal.  Poor little Afrika was very upset, ill and dirty.  It is very difficult to care for a baby chimp.  Wild animals belong in the wild and never make good pets. 

Happily Afrika was rescued in November 2007.  She was given special care and medicines to make her better.  With the help of good food she has slowly grown healthy and strong.  And she has a friend!  Mac is another rescued baby chimp and he and Afrika get great comfort from cuddling each other.