Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage: A Sanctuary for Chimpanzees in Zambia

• HelloMuli bwanji
  [moo-lee bwan-jee]
• GoodbyeZikomo
  [zee-koh-moh]
• YesEya
  [eh-yah]
• NoAyi
  [ah-yee]
• Please/You're welcomeChonde
  [chon-deh]
• Thank youZikomo kwambiri
  [zee-koh-moh kwam-bee-ree]
• Excuse me/SorryPepani
  [peh-pah-nee]
• How are you?Muli bwanji?
  [moo-lee bwan-jee]
• Fine. And you?Ndi bwino. Ine?
  [ndee bwih-noh. ee-neh?]
• Do you speak English?Mukuti chiyankhulo cha Chingerezi?
  [moo-koo-tee chee-yahn-khoo-loh cha cheen-geh-reh-zee]
• I don't understandSindikudziwa
  [seen-dee-koo-dzee-wah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNdikufuna kuona menu, chonde
  [ndee-koo-foo-nah kwoh-nah meh-noo, chon-deh]
• I don't eat meatSindidya nyama
  [seen-dee-dyah nyah-mah]
• Cheers!Mwaiseni!
  [mwai-seh-nee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNdikufuna kuyimba, chonde
  [ndee-koo-foo-nah koo-yim-bah, chon-deh]

• Help!Chilungamo!
  [chee-loong-gah-moh]
• Go away!Tchoka!
  [tchoh-kah]
• Call the Police!Pemphani Polisi!
  [pehm-pah-nee poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Pemphani dokotala!
  [pehm-pah-nee doh-koh-tah-lah]
• I'm lostNdimadutsa
  [ndee-mah-doo-tsah]
• I'm illNdimakulira
  [ndee-mah-koo-lee-rah]

• I'd like to buy...Ndikufuna kugula...
  [ndee-koo-foo-nah koo-goo-lah]
• I'm just lookingNdikufuna kuchita bwino
  [ndee-koo-foo-nah koo-chee-tah bwih-noh]
• How much is it?Ndi ndalama zingati?
  [ndee ndah-lah-mah zin-gah-tee]
• That's too expensiveIzi zavuta kwambiri
  [ee-zee zah-voo-tah kwam-bee-ree]
• Can you lower the price?Mukhoza kugwiritsa ntchito?
  [moo-koh-zah koo-gwee-ree-tsah nch-ee-toh]

• What time is it?Ndi nthawi yoti?
  [ndee ntha-wee yoh-tee]
• It's one o'clockNdi nthawi yamodzi
  [ndee ntha-wee yah-moh-dzee]
• Half past (10)Mwachitsanzo wachisoni
  [mwah-chee-tsan-zoh wah-chee-soh-nee]
• MorningUsiku
  [oo-see-koo]
• AfternoonMawa
  [mah-wah]
• EveningChikuya
  [chee-koo-yah]
• YesterdayNkamubwerako
  [n-kah-moo-bweh-rah-koh]
• TodayLero
  [leh-roh]
• TomorrowMawa
  [mah-wah]
• 1Modzi
  [moh-dzee]
• 2Ziwiri
  [zee-wee-ree]
• 3Zitatu
  [zee-tah-too]
• 4Zinayi
  [zee-nah-yee]
• 5Zisanu
  [zee-sah-noo]
• 6Zisanu
  [zee-san-dah]
• 7Zisanu
  [zee-sah-noo]
• 8Zisanu
  [zee-sah-noo]
• 9Zisanu
  [zee-sah-noo]
• 10Zisanu
  [zee-sah-noo]

• Where's a/the...?Muli kuti...?
  [moo-lee koo-tee]
• What's the address?Ndi adilesi yanga?
  [ndee ah-dee-lee-see yahn-gah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mukhoza kundichititsa (pa mapu)?
  [moo-koh-zah koon-dee-chee-tee-tsah pah mah-poo]
• When's the next (bus)?Ndi nthawi yomweyo?
  [ndee ntha-wee yoh-mweh-yoh]
• A ticket (to ....)Ndi chiphaso (ku ....)
  [ndee chee-pah-soo koo]

In 1983, Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage was founded by Sheila and David Siddle in Zambia. The couple took in their first chimpanzee, a badly injured infant named Pal, who had been confiscated from poachers. Pal's remarkable recovery under their care marked the beginning of what would become one of the largest and most renowned chimpanzee sanctuaries in the world.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Chimfunshi expanded rapidly as more chimpanzees in need of rescue were brought to the sanctuary. By 1995, the orphanage had gained international recognition, attracting volunteers, researchers, and conservationists from around the globe. This period also saw the development of better facilities and increased media attention, further solidifying Chimfunshi's reputation as a leading wildlife sanctuary.

In the early 2000s, Chimfunshi began to establish itself as a significant research center for primatologists and behavioral scientists. Partnerships with universities and research institutions allowed for in-depth studies on chimpanzee behavior, social structure, and cognition. These research efforts have contributed valuable insights to the field of primatology and have helped to improve the welfare of captive and wild chimpanzees.

Chimfunshi has always been committed to engaging with the local community and promoting education about wildlife conservation. In recent years, the orphanage has developed a range of community outreach programs, including environmental education workshops, school visits, and community development projects. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and to foster a sense of stewardship among local residents.

Like many conservation organizations, Chimfunshi has faced numerous challenges, including funding shortages, poaching threats, and habitat destruction. Despite these obstacles, the orphanage has remained steadfast in its mission to protect and care for chimpanzees. Through partnerships with international conservation groups and continuous advocacy, Chimfunshi has played a crucial role in efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade and to promote sustainable conservation practices in Zambia.

Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage is located in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia, near the town of Chingola. The nearest major international airport is Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola, approximately 160 kilometers away. From Ndola, you can take a taxi or arrange for a private transfer to Chimfunshi. The journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours by road. Alternatively, you can fly into Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka and then take a domestic flight to Ndola.

While at Chimfunshi, transportation options are limited. It's advisable to hire a car, preferably a 4x4, for more flexibility and ease of travel, especially for exploring the surrounding areas. There are local taxis available in Chingola, but they may not always be reliable. It is recommended to arrange your transportation in advance.

The official currency in Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger establishments in Chingola, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting Chimfunshi and other rural areas. ATMs are available in Chingola, so it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to the orphanage.

Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard travel precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While the area around the orphanage is safe, be cautious in Chingola, particularly at night, as petty crime can occur. Stick to well-lit and populated areas.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance in Zambia. The nearest medical facilities are in Chingola, which is about 60 kilometers from Chimfunshi. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, carry a basic first aid kit and necessary medications. The staff at Chimfunshi can assist in contacting local authorities and medical services if needed.

Fashion: Do dress modestly and comfortably, as the weather can be hot and humid. Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking in natural terrain. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous when using local taxis. Don't expect public transport to be as punctual as in more developed countries. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a friendly smile. It's polite to ask about someone's well-being before starting a conversation. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage like a local, take your time to interact with the staff and learn about their work with the chimpanzees. Participate in volunteer programs if available, and explore the natural surroundings with guided tours. Visit nearby local markets in Chingola to buy fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with the local community to learn more about the regional culture and traditions.