Chimp School (Full Episode) | DOCUMENTARY SPECIAL | Nat Geo Animals

(music) (shrieking) NARRATOR: Meet your extended family. Chimpanzees are one of our closest living relatives. They share most of our genes and many of our emotions. Love, friendship, and trust are essential for all chimps. When these emotions are taken away, how do you give them back? Sierra Leone's chimpanzees are struggling. In a country ravaged by habitat loss, civil war and Ebola, chimps are not a priority. JANE GOODALL: Chimpanzees throughout West Africa, which includes Sierra Leone, are endangered. Their numbers are dropping and continuing to drop. NARRATOR: Out of sight, out of mind. The chimps of Sierra Leone could disappear for good. Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is on a mission to change that. Here in this safe haven, forgotten chimps of Africa are getting a second chance at life. If you're a chimp, the goal is clear: find your place in a troop and find a way to survive. Hugging the Atlantic Ocean, Sierra Leone lies on the western edge of Africa. Its tropical forest is home to a rich diversity of creatures... ...including chimpanzees. GOODALL: When people think of Sierra Leone, they think of civil war, they think of ruthless killings, they think of Ebola. And yes, there are chimpanzees there, and they're an endangered species, but they're not really newsworthy, so of course people don't think about Sierra Leone and chimpanzees. NARRATOR: Many are illegally exploited, sold overseas and kept as pets. Some are even hunted for meat. At Tacugama, the only chimp sanctuary in Sierra Leone, saving chimps is a way of life. (chattering) Found only in Africa, chimpanzees are highly intelligent social animals. When they stand upright they can be 4 to 5.5 feet tall. With both arms spread, a chimp's arm length is one and a half times its height. Just like humans, some go bald with age. They're mostly vegetarian, but chimps will occasionally eat meat. Surprisingly, they're more closely related to us than to gorillas. They share more than 96 percent of our DNA. It's easy to relate to them; and that can be a good thing. This is Jackie. She's fragile and must be handled with care. The first signs are worrying. (thermometer beeping) IZZY: Feels very warm. It's very dehydrated as well. NARRATOR: Jackie is traumatized and confused. MAN: No biting. No, no, no, no. Sit down here, sit down here. It's okay. It's alright, it's alright. (screams) NARRATOR: She's not well. A baby chimp this far gone is in real danger of slipping away. BALA AMARASEKARAN: We went straight to the place, we opened the security post, went through, and they are hiding him in a toilet by the security post area. We found him sitting in the sink, in the wash hand basin, he was sitting there helplessly. Opened the door, and he was reaching out to me, and so I just picked him up. NARRATOR: It is illegal to kill, capture or trade chimpanzees in Sierra Leone. Bala Amarasekaran used to be an accountant. In 1988 he bought a baby chimp he felt sorry for. Then he saved another one. As the babies grew, so did Bala's realization that more had to be done to help them. Inspired by Jane Goodall, he established Tacugama in 1995 to rescue and conserve chimpanzees, a move that changed his life forever. AMARASEKARAN: Dr. Jane Goodall, she visits Sierra Leone, and she comes to see me, and it was very inspiring spending a week with Jane, understanding what she's trying to do. When Jane left, I think she has planted the seed, and that is how the rest of the life kind of unraveled in front of me. GOODALL: It's a big responsibility for me. Because feeling responsible for somebody's growing passion to look after the chimpanzees means that when he's going through tough times, I'm feeling for him. And once you start, I'm afraid it's, it's like a... you know, it just goes on and on. More and more chimpanzees are brought to your attention. You need staff, you need veterinary care. It's, it's actually a nightmare, but of course from the point of view of the chimpanzees, it's wonderful. NARRATOR: This is Posseh Kamara, or Mama Posseh. She works with Bala and has a special connection with baby chimps. Cleaning seems to reassure the youngster. AMARASEKARAN: She was definitely caught and tied on a rope. You can see a rope mark, but thankfully it didn't go through too much. Yeah, it's okay. (grunting) Unusual for a baby chimp, Jackie won't drink any milk. The reason is alarming. AMARASEKARAN: Well, I asked them whether they gave any milk or anything, no, never, so she hasn't had any milk at all. NARRATOR: Baby chimps rely on their mothers' milk for the first four to six years of their lives. At just under two years old, and completely deprived of milk, Jackie's life hangs in the balance. For now, all Mama Posseh can do is make her comfortable. The weakest don't usually make it. Jackie won't survive unless Posseh can get her to start drinking milk. (crickets chirping) Mama Posseh is up early. Her mind might be on last nights' events, but she has breakfast to prepare. (shriek) (whooping) Tacugama is home to about 80 chimps of all ages... and counting. They all come from similar beginnings, but individuals progress through different stages of recovery at their own pace. The goal is to get every chimp functional again, living in a troop, and eventually in a place like this. A 125-acre semi-wild enclosure. To a once-chained chimp, this is paradise. It all starts with nutritious milk. Because humans and chimps are so closely related, human baby formula is a good substitute. MAMA POSSEH: Come and take something. Take. NARRATOR: The youngest need milk up to five times a day. MAMA POSSEH: This is your breakfast. NARRATOR: Mama Posseh has helped raise most of the chimps here. To them, she is mom. MAMA POSSEH: Take your milk. I'm going. This is not for you. You have taken yours. NARRATOR: Tucked away in a corner, two babies are just waking up. MAMA POSSEH: Sofie! Sofie, come and take! NARRATOR: Meet Sofie. She's close to a year old and lives with her slightly older roommate, Matilda. Just like newbie Jackie, they are confiscated orphans just beginning their rehabilitation. Babies normally spend the first year in constant contact with their mother. That's where Mama Posseh comes in. GOODALL: Having a foster mother to cuddle you, to teach you, to be there for you is tremendously important. Because that's what of course a wild chimpanzee mother would do. MAMA POSSEH: Uh, uh, uh. Oh, oh. Yes, yes, yes. NARRATOR: Mama Posseh will teach them how to be chimps. MAMA POSSEH: I'm going. NARRATOR: Breakfast over, it's time for school. In the wild, baby chimps are carried or ride on their mom for the first two years. MAMA POSSEH: Let's go. NARRATOR: They're heading to the forest, not to play, but to learn. You need skills to live And for a chimp, that means climbing. It is essential they strengthen muscles, test their weight on branches, and hone their coordination. A thin branch is perfect. So far, so good. Confidence is a good thing, but too much too soon inevitably leads to a fall. MAMA POSSEH: Ah ah ah ah. NARRATOR: The youngsters tend to play alone, which is not a good thing. Matilda prefers Mama Posseh's company. Sofie is at least persistent with her climbing. They're scheduled to join another group of chimps for the next phase of their rehabilitation. But if they want to survive, they need to form a bond with each other first. NARRATOR: This is Somebody, an unusual name for a chimp, but Somebody is special. She only has one hand. The other was lost to a hunter's snare when she was young. Now almost 10, she is a shining example of how chimps can bounce back from tragedy. Somebody is part of a group of rehabilitated chimps that has learned a clever trick. Start with a stick, fashioned to your liking. Next, find a comfortable place to sit. Then get to work. It was once thought that humans were the only species that could make and use tools. But in 1960 Jane Goodall discovered that chimpanzees use sticks to fish for termites-- a truly groundbreaking revelation that changed the world's perception of chimps forever. There are no termites here, but there is honey, placed by the caregivers to stimulate the chimps. This encourages the same behavior that occurs in the wild. It's a test of brain over brawn that can often boil over. Some don't ever learn the technique, and spend the time harassing each other instead. Attentive onlookers watch in envy. We can't all be the 'A' student. Despite her disability, Somebody is the star. Mama Posseh is on her way to check on little Jackie, who arrived last night in a bad state. Uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh! Where is your Pampers? Why do you remove the Pampers, huh? Why do you remove the Pampers? Eh, eh, eh, eh! Let me see your belly. What is in this belly? Huh? NARRATOR: Against all odds, Jackie made it through the night. But the orphan has not taken a drop of milk, and her health is declining. She could be Mama Posseh's biggest chimp challenge yet. First things first: a bath. A warm cloth gets to places even chimp moms can't reach. From eyes to ears and face to feet, it's a head-to-toe service. Tender gestures like this show Jackie that she can trust Posseh. Her skinny limbs are weak and need strengthening. A warmup helps get the blood flowing. Mama is a skilled masseuse. Simple stretches encourage circulation and prevent further muscle wasting. Jackie's condition is so delicate that even the slightest cold could be fatal. Human chest rub medication warms tiny toes. Anything to keep the chill away. Applying some to Jackie's chest seems to go over well. Now that she's in better spirits, maybe Jackie will take some milk. She's still not interested. What you don't know, you don't miss, and Jackie is unsure of this strange drink. She will not survive if she doesn't try it soon. Something is better than nothing at this stage, and fruit might coax her out of her shell. Albeit with a little encouragement. MAMA POSSEH (singing): I know that you want to eat melon Look at the melon, look at the melon The melon is for you, ooh, my dear The melon is for you GOODALL: Singing lullabies, telling stories, being calm and gentle and always the same. I think these are the things that calm infant chimpanzees and restoring its self-confidence. MAMA POSSEH (singing): Oh, Jackie, Jackie, the melon is for you NARRATOR: It works! Jackie chows down. Melon with lunchtime entertainment is not too bad. If only these pesky seeds weren't in the way. Melon is for you This melon is for you NARRATOR: But Jackie needs to start drinking milk soon or she won't survive. NARRATOR: Today vet Izzy is getting ready for his first appointment. Like all new arrivals, Jackie needs a full examination. Disease could spread through the sanctuary like wildfire, so it is essential that Izzy knows everything about her. Putting any animal under anesthetic is dangerous, and doubly so for a baby. IZZY: It's okay. NARRATOR: Something Mama Posseh knows all too well. Jackie takes a while to go under. She's drowsy but still holding on. Izzy tries various means of persuasion. At last, she sleeps. Jackie arrived with a high temperature that needed to go down. It's good news. IZZY: 37.3, which is normal. Chimps are susceptible to many human illnesses, and TB is a particular concern with all new arrivals. Easily passed from humans to chimps, ex-pets have the highest risk. A small injection in the eyelid is all it takes. They'll know in a few days if Jackie is all clear. Nothing is left unchecked, including poop. If Jackie has parasites, they will show up. Izzy spins a sample in a centrifuge to get a clear picture under the microscope. (beeping) Blood samples are vital to paint a complete picture of Jackie's overall health. It will take a few days for all the test results to come back. IZZY: Just in the nick of time. Okay, Mama Posseh, all went well. Jackie looks great, and we got everything done in the nick of time before she woke up on her own. (chuckles) Thank you very much. IZZY: You want to go back to Mama? Of course you do, of course you do. NARRATOR: Jackie will stay in quarantine for the next three months until she gets the all-clear. Only then can she be introduced to other chimps. Monthly visits to Izzy aside, Mama Posseh is the only human contact she will have. Jackie is attached to her surrogate mom. Their precious time together forges a bond of trust. It's been a traumatic time for both of them. But now they sleep. (chimps chattering) Little Jackie can dare to dream of a place like this. The end goal for all rescued chimps who come here. Large areas of forest at Tacugama are sectioned off to allow fully rehabilitated groups of chimps to live in a natural habitat. Here in this vast semi-wild enclosure is Tito's group. They are elusive, emerging briefly to drink before slipping back into the forest. Dragonflies shimmy in the sun. The males search for the best perches to watch for breeding opportunities. Chasing each other and courting females, the dragonflies put on a graceful performance that has one spectator captivated. On the other side of Tacugama, another creature takes center stage. Termites. Winged adults called alates emerge in the thousands to begin new colonies elsewhere. Eruptions like this are too good to miss. Mannikin finches flock to feed on the calorie-rich feast. Lizards join in. From above, black kites circle to snatch what they can. As quickly as it begins, it's over, and calm returns to the forest. Sofie and Matilda are at the vet's. IZZY: Okay, come, we sit over here. NARRATOR: Although out of quarantine, routine check-ups ensure good health. Small ailments come and go. IZZY: Is she scratching at all? No, she's scratching. IZZY: Okay. The most common thing would be something like ringworm or another skin fungus. What we'll try and do, let's get her on an antifungal cream. MAMA POSSEH: Okay. IZZY: And we'll do that in the morning and in the evening. Just a thin amount that you can spread on the, on the affected areas. Ahh, Matilda the runaway. NARRATOR: Matilda's issue is a little more complicated. She occasionally wheezes. IZZY: It's definitely coming from between the nose and the chest. Ohh. Maybe we can try some decongestants to loosen any mucus that might be in the respiratory tract. The noise, it's not very serious. As long as it doesn't get worse, we're okay. Basically we just monitor her for any colds, any difficulty breathing, especially going into the rainy season. You know, we usually get some colds. MAMA POSSEH: Yeah. NARRATOR: With nothing to worry about, Mama Posseh faces a new challenge. It's time for Sofie and Matilda to go back to forest school. NARRATOR: Mama Posseh wants to teach the young chimps wild behavior with a twist; termite fishing with honey, a stick and a bottle. First, a taste to get them interested. Now it's game on. But this time they have to work for it. MAMA POSSEH: Come here. Matilda. Matilda, come. NARRATOR: It's all about holding their attention, and Matilda is focused on the task. Sofie, on the other hand, heads for the trees, where she's improved by leaps and bounds. Matilda's not a master yet, but the signs are good. Sofie needs to at least try. She follows Matilda's lead and is back in the game. Sofie may need a bit more coaxing, while Matilda needs to work on her table manners. (distant shrieking) A welcomed vehicle arrives. Food, and lots of it. In a single week Tacugama's chimps munch their way through a variety of snacks including nearly 4,000 bananas, 500 pineapples, more than 2,000 mangos, three bags of potatoes, and too many nuts to count. Delivery day is a time of plenty. MAMA POSSEH: Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh. NARRATOR: Chimpanzee babies learn what foods to eat from their mothers. Mama Posseh is showing which leaves are good to snack on. MAMA POSSEH: It's nice. Eat it. NARRATOR: Someday they will need to make these dietary decisions on their own, once fully rehabilitated and living in a semi-wild enclosure. Some leaves are toxic while others serve medicinal purposes. Chimps have been known to self-medicate with certain plants. But not today. This is just lunch, wild style. Up here Sofie is in her element. She's getting better at climbing every day. Matilda still prefers to stick to Posseh. All chimps have different personalities and needs. GOODALL: The most important thing is being there for that infant. So, you see them, they go off, they get a little bit hurt, they fall. What do they do? They run to their foster mum, and the good foster mum will cradle that chimp and soothe it and provide it with the physical but also the, the psychological support that's so very important. NARRATOR: The babies are fascinated by Mama Posseh's belt. The common interest seems to inspire Matilda to make a move. She leaves Posseh and hugs Sofie for the first time. This is a sure sign they are bonded. With each other's support, they can now be introduced to a new troop of chimps. Chimps can learn how to use various tools and then pass on those skills. One-handed Somebody's group is particularly advanced. They termite fish for fun, and, confronted with hard palm nuts, find rocks and stones to use as hammer and anvil. It doesn't take long for them to find their rhythm. (insects chirping) Tonight Mama Posseh is in the milk room. Jackie is still refusing to take a drink. The situation is serious, but Posseh can only do so much. Tender support is vital for Jackie's state of mind. For why you no take your milk? NARRATOR: Her eyes are open, but she's fading away. MAMA POSSEH: For why you no take your milk? For why? NARRATOR: She has eaten fruit, but milk is what her delicate body really needs. As hard as Posseh tries, the desperate baby refuses. Chuh, chuh, chuh, chuh! What, no want? NARRATOR: They have no choice but to try again tomorrow. Time is running out for little Jackie. In the early morning sun, Joko Jr. sticks close to his mom, Gerry, the leader of a ladies-only club. Joko's dad died before he was born. Less than a year old, Joko is the only male in this troop. All female chimps are put on contraception to prevent breeding, but sometimes it doesn't work. Luckily, Gerry has turned out to be a terrific mom. Grooming is essential to chimp life. It removes dirt and parasites, calms nervous chimps, and enhances bonding. With milk on tap and a taxi service at his beck and call, Joko Jr.'s life seems perfect. But it's not. When food is out, it's every chimp for him or herself, and he's having a hard time getting his fair share. What he does grab is quickly stolen. This isn't working. He needs a hiding place for his bounty, and he knows the perfect spot. It's a secret den--the perfect place to stash toys and snacks. As long as they can't see him, his treasure is safe. It's wise to keep a lookout. (chimps shrieking) Each time he returns to his den, he makes sure he isn't followed. But hanging around the entrance is a bad idea. Too late. Busted. Chimps are great with their hands. They have opposable thumbs that allow them to grip like we do and also use them to knuckle walk. With both hands full and Joko Jr. to carry, Gerry could use an extra set of hands. There's only one thing to do: get up and walk. Now that Sofie and Matilda have each other's backs, it's time to integrate them into a small group. They're going to meet three other chimps for the first time. The three are older and bolder, so Posseh brings colleague Manso to help. A meet and greet is a delicate situation. It could be too much for Sofie and Matilda. They might panic or get bullied. But they have to try. MAMA POSSEH: Yay. NARRATOR: The older trio head straight for the trees. All three girls climb very well. Their confidence knows no limits, and they dine at the top table. Sampling the forest menu, they are comfortable living the high life. stick to Mama Posseh, but they're not panicking. Once they are noticed, the boisterous bunch begins to flex their muscles. No, leave them, leave them! Leave them. No, stop that! Woo! NARRATOR: Chimp society is governed by a hierarchy system, so little power struggles now may impact the social structure later on. One of the older chimps is quick to put Sofie in her place. A forearm grab brings another one down. Tempers start to flair. (laughing) Far from being intimidated, up their game. Sofie gives it her all. Mama Posseh takes glancing blows at the center of the mayhem. Five become four as Matilda heads to the trees for a breather. Normally a reluctant climber, the rumble in the jungle triggers her instincts. The excitement is a bit too much for one youngster, who makes a sneaky exit. Sometimes you need to know your limits. The rough and tumble pays off. Sofie and Matilda play with the boisterous bunch away from Mama Posseh. It's a remarkable transformation. These five chimps may form a troop one day. Sofie and Matilda still need a mother's touch, but this is a new chapter in their young lives. For now, things should be looking up. In quarantine, Jackie's refusal to drink milk is taking a toll, and the team is running out of ideas. It's down to one last-ditch effort to keep her alive. NARRATOR: Jackie's sweet tooth might be the key to getting her to drink vital milk. Honey is perfect for disguising the taste. The honey trick is working. It's a life-changing step forward for a chimp baby near death. But Jackie's not out of the woods yet. She needs to put on weight, and is still waiting for the make-or-break results of her health check. In the semi-wild enclosure, another little someone is attracting attention. A new baby. Sonia. Tito's troop of fully rehabilitated individuals is living as natural a life as they can. Babies galvanize chimp society, changing the dynamics overnight. The mother-daughter bond is cemented for life. Support, protection and education for Sonia all rest on Suzie's broad shoulders. More than one male may think Sonia is theirs, a shrewd move on mom's part to ensure they are both protected. In quarantine, Jackie had a medical exam to check for contagious illnesses, including TB, that could have a devastating effect on the rest of the chimps here. The results are in. IZZY: So Jackie's doing great. TB test after her health check is negative after the 96-hour window that we, we want to make sure there's no suspicious reaction. So that's all clear. She was weak, dehydrated, a bit emaciated. But now that she's taken to, you know, the TLC that we're giving her here, she's definitely put on some weight and she's eager to take every feeding. NARRATOR: Jackie still has to finish quarantine, but her transformation is incredible. She's gulping down whole bottles of milk. And the liquid lunches have dramatically improved Jackie's health. MAMA POSSEH: Finish? NARRATOR: Now she's noticing everything-- ants in particular. Just as popular with chimps as termites, they are a source of protein that's worth the effort. Jackie may have newfound confidence, but 'me time' with Mama Posseh feels as good as ever. When Mama Posseh has work to do, Jackie, amazingly, hangs out on her own. She's out of her shell and enjoying life. (singing) When you open your eyes NARRATOR: Jackie knows where Posseh is, and that's enough to reassure her. MAMA POSSEH: Come. Come, let's go now. Come this way. Jackie, come. Okay. NARRATOR: But sometimes Jackie's fresh independence tests Posseh's patience. MAMA POSSEH: Come take mango. This for you. Come. NARRATOR: She might always have one eye on mom, but it's conveniently turned when it's time to come inside. Jackie's sweet tooth eventually gives in, and mom can finally put her to bed. MAMA POSSEH: Take mango. Take. Eh, eh, eh. Turning Jackie's life around is a huge achievement for Mama Posseh. Her extraordinary connection with baby chimps has saved many. MAMA POSSEH: That's all... Ah ah ah ah ah. NARRATOR: Even as they grow up with their own kind, they never forget her. MAMA POSSEH: Ohh, ohh! Stop that. NARRATOR: To each of them, she will always be mom. At Tacugama, the forgotten chimps of Africa have a fighting chance. There is still a long way to go to ensure their long-term future in Sierra Leone, but Bala's passion burns as bright as ever. AMARASEKARAN: The dream to put the chimpanzees back in the wild, the Tacugama chimps, is still, it's something in my head all the time. There's no life without hope. You've got to keep hoping for it. But then hope without hard work doesn't take you anywhere. Everybody has a dream. What is different is we are following our dream. We want to make sure the dream comes true so we are working hard towards that. GOODALL: I really take my hat off to him and his staff for the tremendous work that they've done. NARRATOR: In a corner of the sanctuary, a gentle song rises above the trees. I go tap me foot for you I go clap me hands for you Tap, tap, tap your hands NARRATOR: New arrival Jackson finds comfort in the arms of mom. I go tap me hands for you