Travel with JGI Canada Adventure to Republic of Congo Table of Contents Let us help you jump to: Tentative Itinerary Visit JGI Projects How to Sign-Up Meet Our Partners On this incredible 7-day journey, guests will spend time at the world-class Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center, the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in Africa. Closed to the general public, this exclusive access opportunity is not to be missed. The Republic of Congo is home to JGI’s Tchimpounga sanctuary, where selected groups of donors are invited to see rescued chimpanzees up close in their new home. This opportunity is exclusively available for JGI supporters. Don’t miss your chance to see this world-class facility! In addition to the sanctuary, guests will spend quality time with JGI’s Republic of Congo team, visiting local communities surrounding the Tchimpounga Reserve and seeing Roots & Shoots projects first-hand. These neighbouring villages are very important to regional conservation and JGI works closely with them to hire caregivers and EcoGuards. Visit Local Conservation Projects Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center Surrounded by 129,000 acres of dense rainforest and savannah, the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center is the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in Africa. For nearly 25 years, Tchimpounga has provided life-saving rehabilitation and protection to sick, malnourished and injured orphan chimpanzees rescued from markets and homes by local authorities in the fight against wildlife trafficking and poaching. Today, more than 140 chimpanzees live at Tchimpounga where they are given a second chance at life. One of these remarkable chimps is Wounda, who was famously filmed hugging Dr. Goodall after her release onto her new island home. Roots & Shoots in Republic of Congo Roots & Shoots empowers young people to address sustainability challenges in their communities. Bringing this program to communities where deforestation and poaching are ongoing threats is a crucial step in developing long-term conservation strategies. Staff at the Jane Goodall Institute in the Congo are strengthening the capacity of teachers based in nature reserves by introducing them to Roots & Shoots. JGI provides teachers with training and program resources such as community mapping materials and lesson plans. By implementing this program into their classrooms, teachers can help inspire and motivate the next generation to steward and defend the natural world. Conkouati-Douli National Park Conkouati-Douli National Park is a UNESCO national park along the coast of the Republic of Congo. The park is home to wild animals including chimpanzees, elephants, gorillas, leopards, and mandrills. JGI Rep. of Congo manages a Mandrill Release Program in this area, rescuing Mandrills kept as illegal pets and rehabilitating them at Tchimpounga sanctuary before releasing them into the freedom of the rainforest. JGI has successfully reintroduced several mandrills into Conkouati-Douli National Park and staff are monitoring the animals’ health on an ongoing basis. What Stories Will You Tell? Pictures tell a thousands words, and we know this once in a lifetime trip will surely leave you speechless. Tentative Travel Itinerary Day 1 Arrive in Pointe Noire at any time. Arrival transfer from airport included, followed by a welcome dinner and overnight stay at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel, which will become home-base for the rest of the trip. Day 2 After breakfast, travel to the world-renowned Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center. Enjoy the sanctuary’s extraordinary landscape after Dr. Rebeca Atencia, Tchimpounga’s Executive Director, delivers a special presentation and answers any questions you may have about the sanctuary. Day 3 Visit the nearby Ma-Loango museum and learn more about Congo’s history and have the opportunity to purchase locally made souvenirs. In the afternoon, take a boat trip down the Kouilou River to see the forested Tchimpounga Islands. See the famous Tchimpounga chimpanzees up close during their scheduled feedings. Tonight, you will fall asleep to pant-hoots and river waves, on an adjacent island at Tchimpounga. Day 4 Enjoy a traditional kayaking tour with local guides and enjoy the natural scenery that winds through Tchimpounga’s lush mangrove forests, stopping in a bamboo village to visit the local community. Day 5 Visit a Roots & Shoots youth education program in the morning. In the afternoon, drive to see the famous Sniffer Dogs and a presentation by a JGI staff on the importance of the Canine Detection Unit to address wildlife trafficking. Day 6 After breakfast, embark just a half hour north of Pointe Noire to the remarkable scenary of Diosso Gorge. Hike down to the bottom with JGI staff and enjoy an early dinner on the beach. Day 7 Allow the adventure of a lifetime to sink in. Reflect on the natural wonders that were enjoyed and the life-long friendships made. Departure transfers are included and guests are welcome to depart at anytime from Pointe Noire. There is no better way to engage donors than to show them exactly how their money is being used. I know, without a doubt that my donation is indeed meaningful – Traveller in 2019 Inspiring People & Partners Dr. Rebeca Atencia: A True Chimp Champion Rebeca, whose partner Fernando and their two children Carel and Kutu also live at the sanctuary, has dedicated her life to rehabilitating chimpanzees, often orphaned because of illegal hunting. Typically, the chimps are terrified, malnourished and depressed when they first arrive. Rebeca assigns each chimp to an experienced caregiver who acts very much like a surrogate mother, providing the little chimps with the love and care they need to regain a sense of security, confidence and zest for life. Often, the first step for Rebeca is gaining the chimpanzee’s trust. Once that bond is established, it can last a lifetime. Image: JGI/Fernando Turmo Get to know Rebeca Canine Detection Unit: Kivuli & Ranger In the Republic of the Congo illegal wildlife trade is one of the biggest threats to wildlife and human communities. JGI’s sniffer dogs and trainers keep Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center and surrounding areas in the region safe. Canine trainers teach these dogs to sniff out dangerous/illegal objects — such as weapons or ammunition — and evidence of illegal wildlife crime—such as chimpanzee hair — in cars, bags, crates, and more. Trainers form close bonds of trust with their canine co-workers through daily care and play, allowing them to work more effectively as a team. With the help of canines JGI is able to prevent and diminish illegal wildlife trade. Image: JGI/US Meet our canine team Carbon Offsets JGI Canada encourages travellers joining us to use carbon offsetting programs intended to promote sustainable travel and in reducing greenhouse gas emissions related to air travel. Learn More Here
