The story of Tami and Lucy is that of two young female chimpanzees destined for an uncertain future. Captured to be illegally transported across the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic (CAR), they were found being held at the back of a depot. Their future seemed shattered, and the memories of their family, their mother, and their life in the forest were slowly fading away.
A Life-Saving Confiscation
Fortunately, the intervention of the authorities changed their fate. Confiscated, Tami and Lucy were entrusted to the J.A.C.K. sanctuary, where today they are beginning a new chapter. Without this swift action, they would likely never have had the chance to experience a safe and dignified life again.
Difficult Beginnings
Upon arrival, their trauma was profound. Distrustful, they had lost all confidence in humans and remained constantly on the defensive, ready to bite. Their behavior reflected the pain and fear left by captivity and the brutal loss of their family bonds.
The Encounter with Mama Angéliné
Step by step, one figure played a decisive role in their recovery: Mama Angéliné, their surrogate mother at the sanctuary. Thanks to her patience and gentleness, Tami and Lucy gradually accepted her presence and began to calm down. Today, they are more relaxed, curious, and listen attentively to the calls and vocal exchanges of their peers—clear signs that they are slowly reconnecting with their true nature.
A Team Effort
This success is the result of collective work. We sincerely thank the authorities for their trust, as well as the dedicated ICCN Rangers from Bili Uere and the team of AFRICAN WILDLIFE FOUNDATION, who accompanied these two young females from the moment of their confiscation. Their dedication and vigilance were essential to ensure Tami and Lucy’s safety and well-being.
A New Hope
Today, Tami and Lucy are no longer alone. They have found a safe environment, a new family, and above all—hope. Their story is a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration between authorities, sanctuaries, and field teams in giving chimpanzees rescued from trafficking a second chance.
How You Can Help
Like many other chimpanzees welcomed at the sanctuary, Tami and Lucy can be sponsored directly onto our FRIENDS OF JACK PRIMATE website. This concrete gesture helps cover their daily needs and offer them the best possible future. Every donation, no matter the amount, is also deeply appreciated and allows us to continue this vital mission of protection and care.
Thank you to everyone who, in one way or another, contributes to protecting these extraordinary beings. Together, we can continue to transform broken destinies into stories of hope.