Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust

Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust Rehabilitating & providing a safe environment for over 150 rescued chimpanzees Want to be involved? Want to conduct research at the sanctuary?

Chimfunshi was founded in 1983 when a game ranger brought a badly wounded infant chimpanzee to the cattle ranch of David and Sheila Siddle, a British couple who had lived along the Zambian Copperbelt since the 1950s. The Siddles nursed that chimp – named "Pal" – back to health, thereby establishing a tradition of care and respect that forms the legacy of the sanctuary. Sheila and David Siddles’ sp

irit, compassion, and dedication have successfully established the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage in northern Zambia as a groundbreaking haven for over 147 chimpanzees and various other injured and unwanted animals. In recognition of their service to animal welfare and conservation, the Siddles have been the recipients of numerous honors and awards, including the United Nations Environment Programme’s Global 500 Award (2000), the Audi / Terra Nova nomination (2001), a special commendation from the Nedbank / mail & Guardian Green Trust Awards (2000), and the Jane Goodall Award (1995). In 2001, the Siddles were granted MBEs by Queen Elizabeth II in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Chimfunshi Wild Life Orphanage Trust is a non-profit organization that does not receive any government funds. Chimfunshi depends almost entirely on public generosity and private donations for the means to continue its work. Visit www.chimfunshiwildlife.org or email us for more information. Email: [email protected] to obtain research application materials and to learn about the research possibilities. Questions about the sanctuary itself? Email the Chimfunshi Office: [email protected]

💚 In Loving Memory of MikeyIt is with great sadness that we share the passing of Mikey, one of Chimfunshi’s oldest resid...
04/06/2026

💚 In Loving Memory of Mikey

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Mikey, one of Chimfunshi’s oldest residents, at the age of 38.

As an infant, Mikey was seized at Nairobi Airport and brought to Chimfunshi, where he would spend the rest of his life surrounded by the care of his keepers and the companionship of fellow chimpanzees. Over the years, he grew into a gentle and charismatic individual, known for his distinctive white sclera, a feature that made him instantly recognisable to all who knew him.

Mikey was one of the first chimpanzees to call Chimfunshi home and became a much loved member of his group, forming strong bonds and friendships that endured throughout his life. Despite being diagnosed with a chronic multisystemic disease later in life, he continued to enjoy the comfort of his sanctuary home and the company of those around him.

His passing is deeply felt by the staff who cared for him, the volunteers and visitors who met him, and the chimpanzees who shared their lives with him.

While we mourn his loss, we are grateful for the years he spent with us and for the life he was able to live after being given a second chance.

Rest well, Mikey. You will be remembered with great affection and missed by many. 🐒💚

02/06/2026

Play is more than fun. 🌿🐒

Through play, chimpanzees build friendships, learn social skills, and strengthen the bonds that help them thrive. At Chimfunshi, every playful chase, climb, and wrestle is a reminder of the importance of companionship, wellbeing, and a life lived among friends. 💚

Happy Tuesday

Every day at Chimfunshi, volunteers bring their time, skills, and passion to support wildlife conservation and animal ca...
01/06/2026

Every day at Chimfunshi, volunteers bring their time, skills, and passion to support wildlife conservation and animal care. 💚

From assisting with daily sanctuary activities to sharing knowledge and experience, their contributions help make a lasting difference for the animals and the people who care for them.

Today, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers, past and present. Your dedication, hard work, and willingness to be part of this journey have helped shape Chimfunshi into what it is today. Every hour given, every skill shared, and every act of kindness leaves a lasting impact.

Interested in becoming part of the Chimfunshi journey? We are always looking for passionate people who want to contribute, learn, and make a meaningful difference.

Join us and be part of something bigger. 🌿🐒

🦜🌿 World Parrot DayBright, intelligent, and full of character, parrots are an important part of healthy ecosystems. As s...
31/05/2026

🦜🌿 World Parrot Day

Bright, intelligent, and full of character, parrots are an important part of healthy ecosystems. As seed dispersers and indicators of environmental health, they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the landscapes they call home.

At Chimfunshi, we celebrate the incredible diversity of wildlife that shares our forests and wetlands, including the many bird species that help keep these ecosystems thriving.

This World Parrot Day, we are reminded that protecting habitats means protecting the countless species that depend on them.

29/05/2026

Everything is connected. 🌱

When communities are empowered, the land recovers. When the land recovers, wildlife thrives. Through climate-smart farming, tree planting, and sustainable livelihoods, we’re helping create a future where people and nature grow stronger together.

28/05/2026

Tree Top Thursday 🌿🐒

Among the branches, the day unfolds with play, exploration, and a view from the canopy. 💚

27/05/2026

Happy World Otter Day! 🦦🌍

Thanks to our camera traps at Chimfunshi, we were excited to capture this beautiful otter moving through the wetlands and waterways of our Miombo ecosystem. These shy and playful animals are important indicators of healthy rivers and wetlands.

Otters help maintain balanced aquatic ecosystems, but they are increasingly threatened by habitat destruction, pollution, deforestation, and water disturbance.

Protecting wetlands, rivers, and natural habitats means protecting species like otters — and the many other animals and communities that depend on these ecosystems every day.

Every species matters. Every habitat matters. 💚

Zambia Chimfunshi ProtectNature Wetlands Biodiversity

Today, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ross Breeders and Mataba Millers for their generous donation of mealie meal ...
26/05/2026

Today, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ross Breeders and Mataba Millers for their generous donation of mealie meal in support of the animals at Chimfunshi. 💚🐒

Contributions like these play an important role in helping us continue providing daily care, nourishment, and long term support to the rescued chimpanzees who call the sanctuary home.

Thank you for standing with us in the care and protection of wildlife. Your support truly makes a difference.

Football continues to bring energy, discipline, and teamwork to our community at Chimfunshi. ⚽💚Both our senior and junio...
25/05/2026

Football continues to bring energy, discipline, and teamwork to our community at Chimfunshi. ⚽💚

Both our senior and junior teams have been training hard, building confidence, skill, and team spirit on and off the field. Recently, our junior team took part in a friendly match with the American International School of Lusaka, while our senior team continues preparing for the matches ahead.

Today, on World Football Day, we celebrate the power of sport to inspire growth, connection, and opportunity for young people.

Today, Chimfunshi took part in the KCM Marathon, running with purpose, passion, and community spirit.Beyond the finish l...
23/05/2026

Today, Chimfunshi took part in the KCM Marathon, running with purpose, passion, and community spirit.

Beyond the finish line, every step reflected resilience, teamwork, and our shared commitment to health, wellbeing, and positive impact. We are proud of everyone who represented Chimfunshi and carried our spirit forward throughout the race.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported, encouraged, and made this experience possible for our runners. 💚🏃‍♀️🏃

Address

Solwezi Road
Chingola

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00
Thursday 08:00 - 16:00
Friday 08:00 - 16:00
Saturday 08:00 - 16:00
Sunday 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone

+260975519881

Website

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