Binda is a female who is about fifteen years old. She is a large, slender chimpanzee who prefers to observe her group from the sidelines rather than get involved in any disputes. However, Binda is still highly respected by the other individuals in the group. Even though everyone knows that Binda is usually quiet and reserved, they are aware that when Binda gets angry you have to be careful! Binda is very strong, and will not hesitate to lash out and hit or bite when she is annoyed.
Since arriving at the JGI’s Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center when she was still a baby, Binda has always shown a great disinterest in her caretakers. She always preferred to be away from humans and spend time with the other chimpanzees. Now that she is an adult, Binda continues to show the same behavior.
Currently, Binda is part of the group of chimpanzees living on Tchindzoulou Island. She easily graduated from each stage of integration onto the island and was able to join the other fifty chimpanzees now living there.
Binda doesn’t seem interested in becoming an alpha-female, but at the same time, she does not like being ordered or forced to do things. Because of this, she has had some problems with the dominant female, Wounda, especially at feeding times. Wounda, being the alpha-female, always gets the best fruits when JGI caretakers deliver them. The other chimpanzees respect this, but Binda is very big with a huge appetite, and when Wounda takes Binda’s favorite fruits, Binda begins to shout and to wave her arms in protest.
More from the Chimpanzees of Tchimpounga!
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- Bio card with photo of one of Tchimpounga’s chimpanzees
- Custom Chimpanzee Guardian certificate
- Large plush chimpanzee
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- Special invitations to webinars and events with JGI staff
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The Jane Goodall Institute is a global community conservation organization that advances the vision and work of Dr. Jane Goodall. By protecting chimpanzees and inspiring people to conserve the natural world we all share, we improve the lives of people, animals and the environment. Everything is connected—everyone can make a difference.
