Chimpanzees abroad and while traveling: are they dangerous, where do you encounter them, where can you see them?

What are chimpanzees?

• Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are great apes native to Central and West Africa. They are humans' closest living relatives, sharing about 98% of our DNA. Chimpanzees are highly intelligent, social animals known for their complex behaviors, tool use, and communication skills.
• They are omnivorous – they mainly eat fruits, leaves, seeds, insects, and occasionally meat. 

Are chimpanzees dangerous?

• Chimpanzees are not dangerous under normal conditions. However, when food is scarce or their habitat is taken away, they can carry out group attacks. 
• Chimpanzees in captivity are known to be quite unpredictable, and the strength of their claws and jaws should not be underestimated.

Where to see chimpanzees in the wild abroad?

• Chimpanzees live in Central and West Africa, in a variety of forested and savanna-like landscapes. Some of the best places to see them in the wild include Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda. 
• Chimpanzee tracking requires a permit, and many national parks have strict rules to protect the primates and their habitat.

What to do if you encounter a chimpanzee in the wild?

• Chimpanzees are strong, intelligent, and social animals, and encounters in the wild can be exciting but should be handled with caution.
• Keep Your Distance – Stay at least 7-10 meters (23-33 feet) away to avoid disturbing them.
• Stay Calm & Quiet – Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle them.
• Observe Without Direct Eye Contact – Staring can be seen as a sign of aggression.
• Follow Local Guide Instructions – If you’re on a chimpanzee trek, your guide knows the best way to keep you and the chimps safe.
• Do Not Run – If a chimpanzee feels threatened, running may trigger a chase response. Instead, stay still and avoid eye contact.
• If attacked, protect your face and vital areas (chimpanzees are incredibly strong).

What to do when a chimpanzee attacks you?

• The most important thing is to protect your face and vital organs. Cover yourself with whatever you can, avoid eye contact and try to retreat slowly. 
• Do not fight back, the Chimpanzee will definitely be much stronger.. 
• Make yourself big and make loud noises to appear threatening. 

What to do in case of a bite or scratch by a chimpanzee?

• Clean immediately and thoroughly with soap and water for at least five-ten minutes and seek medical attention to check the risk of potential diseases. 

Which diseases can humans get from a chimpanzee?

• Chimps can pass on several zoonotic diseases such as HIV, Ebola and Simian Foamy Virus (SFV). 
• You can also get bacterial infections or parasites from working with Chimpanzees. 

Can you volunteer or intern with chimpanzees?

• Yes, you can volunteer or intern with chimpanzees, but opportunities are usually limited to sanctuaries, research projects, and conservation programs. Most organizations do not allow direct contact with chimpanzees due to safety concerns and the risk of disease transmission.

Where is the best place to volunteer, intern or work with chimpanzees?

• The best places to work with chimpanzees include sanctuaries, research centers, and conservation projects. Some well-known ones are the Jane Goodall Institute sanctuaries, Chimp Haven (USA), Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone and Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center in DR Congo. Kibale National Park (Uganda), Gombe Stream National Park (Tanzania) en Mahale Mountains National Park (Tanzania) are also hot spots for chimps.