Little Boy by ApeArt
This is Mbam. I cared for him at the Limbe Wildlife Centre in Cameroon. He is named after the forest from where he was taken – Mbam.
A man paid 50,000 CFA (75 euros) for Mbam. He told the Wildlife Centre that it was not the first time he had seen a young chimpanzee in the forest for sale. The first time he had not bought the animal and when he came back a few days later the animal had died. He felt he had to buy this chimpanzee to save its life. The Limbe Wildlife Centre never buys animals because it encourages hunters to get more animals from the forest. The man understood this, but he had felt like he had no choice. Just as they were listening to the man’s story, his phone rang. It was the man from the forest, saying that he had another chimpanzee for sale. This is a very sad illustration of the fact that buying animals really creates.
Comments
Oh, how sad…this boy is oh so beautiful!!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxxoxo
Yes he is and so very full of life – he was climbing all over me and going through my pockets and yanking my hair…lol
– ApeArt
aww so sad, dawnx
Thanks dawn x
– ApeArt
Oh what a gorgeous boy. I havent met this little fella either [aarived since I visited], so thanks for introducing him to us Jane.
My pleasure Jul. He was full of life, going through my pockets, undoing the zips with dexterity, jumping on my back, pulling on my hair and even laughed when I tickled him :)
– ApeArt
Yes yes yes – I reinforce strongly. Never ever part with money for a poached wild animal, or even buy one legally. As long as the market is fed – the demand will keep growing.
Mind you – I can only imagine how hard it must be to have to walk away thinking. What will happen to him now because I didn’t buy him? I wouldn’t be able to sleep with worry.
Yes it would be a very difficult decision to make. I have a feeling that if you were in that situation you might not walk away…:)
– ApeArt
Oh I don’t know – I think I would. I would probably give an address and ask that he deilver the animal to me – claiming to not have money on my person – then I would set him up with the authorities.
Good one, didn’t think of that
– ApeArt
Heart-breaking story. Such a gorgeous animal & a beautiful portrait.
Thank you so much
– ApeArt
A sad story, I can understand why it is wrong to buy a chimp even in these circumstances. I think Julie has a good idea, I would just be worried that the poachers may have sussed her.
Oh this is very sad, when will people learn that life is more important that money. Lovely photo of the little man.
Thank you Lorna xx
– ApeArt
Just to cute.. Great Capture :))
Thank you so much :))
– ApeArt
ohhh I love these little guys ! love this shot !
:) xxxxx
– ApeArt