DHL Express has helped Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre move orphaned chimpanzee Chocolat to her new home at the sanctuary in Dorset, UK.
A victim of the Republic of Congo’s illegal bushmeat trade, Chocolat was an infant when her family were hunted and killed 20 years ago while she herself was found to have injuries from shotgun pellets that left her with a paralysed hand and foot.
After spending two decades in Kenya being looked after by her original rescuer, Chocolat has now found a long-term home at the Monkey World sanctuary, which has provided specialist care for chimpanzees that have been smuggled from the wild or suffered abuse or neglect since 1987.
Chocolat’s new home has been made as accessible as possible with lower platforms, new nesting areas and cargo nets.
DHL Express treated Chocolat to a VIP service throughout the journey, transporting her in a custom-built crate supported by a team of specialist keepers, aircraft engineers, cargo handlers, security personnel and pilots. The first class bill of fayre included fresh fruit, nuts and sweet potato.
Her journey was carefully planned to reduce the amount of time in transit, beginning at Nairobi Airport on August 15, followed by a brief stop in Bahrain and then a seven-hour flight to East Midlands Airport, where she arrived on the morning of August 16, ready for the road journey to Dorset.
Photo: DHL
Chocolat is now being gradually introduced to six other chimpanzees who will become her adopted family. She has already made friendly contact with Bryan, the dominant male in her group, touching a fellow chimp for the first time in over 20 years.
Other organisations that have supported and assisted Chocolat’s transfer are African Apes and the William Holden Wildlife Foundation.
Dr Alison Cronin, director of Monkey World, said: “Her integration will be gradual, but her journey has been very smooth, thanks to the support of DHL and so far, she is settling in well.”
Cain Moodie, executive vice president of network operations for DHL Express in Europe, commented: “The logistics of transporting her were quite challenging, but our team of experts, in collaboration with Monkey World and her carers in Kenya, took every possible measure to ensure her journey was safe and comfortable. It’s a real pleasure for everyone at DHL when we can use our skills and network to contribute to projects such as this.”
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