The Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden, commonly referred to as Chimp Eden, is situated within a 1,000 ha game reserve and animal sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees, in the Umhloti Nature Reserve, near Barberton, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
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They advertise shows at 10, 12 and 2 pm plus have a restaurant. I phoned in the morni g and at no time was I told that the 12 pm show was canceled and that the restaurant was closed to visitors. On arrival we were told no 12 pm show due to a group of French tourists so said no problem we will have a toasted sandwich and wait for 2 pm show... Haha no such luck despite there being menus on all the tables. They had a buffet for the group and the kitchen were not even prepared to make us anything. We were just told kitchen closed to "drop in visitors". WHY WASN'T I TOLD THAT WHEN I PHONED THEM EARLIER THAT MORNING!! Coming from Mjejane it's a fairly long drive and we could have stopped in Nelspruit for lunch. Poor show. Place also looking "very shabby". Due to that we were not even prepared to...
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What a fantastic set up and experience! The guide was very knowledgeable, professional and approachable. Learning about the chimpanzees and their previous trauma was really humbling and brought home the need for more conservation efforts. It is so clear that this institution does what it can to both allow these beautiful creatures to experience some aspects of their lives within a sanctuary (E.g. in the wild they would be moving and building their nests everyday, in the sanctuary their nests are broken everyday and they need to build it again for when they sleep) whilst also caring for the chimpanzees medical needs. The gift shop offers a range of items to tickle everyone’s fancy and by supporting you are contributing towards more conservation efforts.
This is a must when you...
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I love primates and hate to see them in cages because I have seen in their eyes (especially on gorillas) a spark if intelligence and depression that shows me they understand their situation. I'm therefore biased and can't help to admire the efforts done by foundations such as this one to rescue and take care of traumatized chimps who've often been traumatized, tortured or taken from their murdered parents.
The tour is quite long, explanations clear, you only see the chimps that can't be rehabilitated and it shows the staff lives for them.They need funding and support to expand and keep the good fight to help and rescue chimps. Don't hesitate to take a small detour to go see them if you...
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