ELLA: THRIVING AFTER A TOUGH RESCUE
Ella is a gorgeous sweet funny and strong little girl who was confiscated approximately one month ago from a young man trying to sell her for $400 USD. We know that any chimpanzee infant we meet means Mom and likely other family members were killed so sadly Ella not only represents another orphan in LCRP’s care but also the death of many others.
Ella was being sold in multiple locations - we were getting reports from various people around the city but kept losing her when attempting her rescue. Finally we were able to arrange somewhat of a “sting” operation and organize our team, the wildlife authorities and the police and capture one of the criminals. We successfully took Ella out of his hands and into ours.
On arrival, Ella’s physical and mental condition was better than some chimps we’ve rescued but she had clearly suffered trauma and neglect. Like many of our chimps, she has scars from bullet shrapnel most likely resulting from the shots fired to kill her mother. At first Ella was a bit confused and unnaturally going from stranger to stranger, unsure of whom she should go for food or care. There happened to be a lot of confusion upon her arrival at LCRP so it took her awhile to settle in. However, now she is now firmly bonded with her caregivers, which is always a very good sign of trust and security.
Today Ella is still a joy and a half. Spending her days and nights now with our middle group, and close friends Poppy and Chance along with her caregivers, she is thriving. She has an amazing laugh and is a very curious and fun little girl. Ella has a very distinct food grunt making it very clear she loves her meals! Ella is still at an age where she would be with her chimpanzee mother at all times so we simulate that here – she is never without a caregiver – and fits in perfectly with our toddler group as she grows and gets to know her future older ‘siblings’. We greatly look forward to getting Ella to the forest!
Ella was being sold in multiple locations - we were getting reports from various people around the city but kept losing her when attempting her rescue. Finally we were able to arrange somewhat of a “sting” operation and organize our team, the wildlife authorities and the police and capture one of the criminals. We successfully took Ella out of his hands and into ours.
On arrival, Ella’s physical and mental condition was better than some chimps we’ve rescued but she had clearly suffered trauma and neglect. Like many of our chimps, she has scars from bullet shrapnel most likely resulting from the shots fired to kill her mother. At first Ella was a bit confused and unnaturally going from stranger to stranger, unsure of whom she should go for food or care. There happened to be a lot of confusion upon her arrival at LCRP so it took her awhile to settle in. However, now she is now firmly bonded with her caregivers, which is always a very good sign of trust and security.
Today Ella is still a joy and a half. Spending her days and nights now with our middle group, and close friends Poppy and Chance along with her caregivers, she is thriving. She has an amazing laugh and is a very curious and fun little girl. Ella has a very distinct food grunt making it very clear she loves her meals! Ella is still at an age where she would be with her chimpanzee mother at all times so we simulate that here – she is never without a caregiver – and fits in perfectly with our toddler group as she grows and gets to know her future older ‘siblings’. We greatly look forward to getting Ella to the forest!
ADOPTION FEE: $50Your adoption fee helps cover Ella's food, shelter and veterinary care.
ELLA was featured on the bbc documentary, Baby chimp rescue |
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When new chimpanzees arrive they are physically and emotionally traumatized. Our veterinary director does a full health check and treats them as needed. Some little ones arrive with broken limbs and shrapnel, and often have deep cuts due to ropes and chains that were used to restrict them while they were held captive. They are also given around the clock TLC, as nurturing and unconditional love is the most important part of their recovery. Feeding the chimps is a challenge. In the wild, chimpanzees eat over 200 different types of food! At LCRP, while we can’t replicate their diet exactly, we work hard to provide the chimps with a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts. Little ones receive baby cereal multiple times a day and all the chimps get morning and evening cereal to ensure the get daily boosts of all the right vitamins and minerals.
