Protecting the Escape Artists at Chimfunshi

African Impact Chimfunshi staff, volunteers, and donor have been hard at work fundraising and creating different enrichment opportunities for the Escape Artists. There have been creative different fundraising being held on ground to support this iniative.

We had the privilege of having Caroline, a volunteer from Germany, put her sewing skills to use, creating and selling products which in return supported the fundraiser. She explains, “During my stay at Chimfunshi I really enjoyed the sewing. I learned how to use the, let's say 'vintage' sewing machines. We thought about different things we could make to raise money for the Escape Artists. In the end we made so many items including; shopping bags, hair scrunchies, bandanas and purses/wallets. It was great to be a part of the process, from buying the chitenge material at the local markets, marking out the pieces, fitting them all together and then of course selling the finished product. It was so lovely to see the work I enjoyed doing benefit the chimps we worked with."

Thanks Caroline and all the volunteers for your help!

Additionally, we have still been holding movie nights with the local community; however, this time, we took it to the next level – we introduced them to toasting marshmallows on the fire! It was such a kit, especially pairing them while watching the film, The Lion King.

Finally, we were all part of the World Clean up Day! Volunteers and staff planned a short play to present to the students to talk about the importance of not literally. Afterwards, we teamed up with Chimfunshi to do a large litter pick. Keeping the environment cleans also means a happy, healthy life for our Escape Artists as well!

Thanks to all involved and please keep in touch as we launch our 10 Year Celebration in November and a chance to win a free two week placement in Chimfunshi!

We are still fundraising for the expansion of the enclosure's at Chimfunshi! Our current biggest goal is to fundraise for two solar panels which really provide great improvement for the Escape Artist's every day living. 

While we are still fundraising, great activities have been happening on ground with the Escape Artists. Volunteers and staff have become quite creative with some of the activities! The activities include behaviour enrichment, food preparation, farming, enclosure cleaning, boundary patrol, chimp observations, vet assistance, infrastructure improvements, and educational activities. 

Check out this activity that was done in May!, "Something a bit different to spice up the week for our chimps at enclosures 3 & 4. Enrichment is a big part of volunteers' time here and this week we went beyond the escape artists and used food colouring on the nshima balls we roll! Our excited chimps were sure to give the strange coloured food a sniff before cautiously eating them..." 

There have been movie nights hosted where tickets are sold to the surrounding community and they have been a hit! We are excited to continue to fundraise for this enclosure and thank you to everyone's support thus far!