The staff at BIOPARC Valencia has once again demonstrated their professionalism and dedication in providing the best care for the animals, especially on significant occasions such as Djibril's birthday. The chimpanzee family was surprised with a “party” to celebrate the little one's seven years, as part of the environmental enrichment actions.
The enclosure, which recreates the equatorial jungle, was decorated with gifts and a spectacular cake with colorful ornaments, made with the types of lettuce they like best and fruit skewers. The birthday boy was the first to approach and taste the cake, which featured a huge blue gelatin “7”. His congeners quickly joined the “feast” and enjoyed some of their favorite treats of orange, pear, apple, and banana. The little ones enjoyed it the most, having fun with the entire event and playing with the colorful boxes.
This date is always a cause for celebration at BIOPARC Valencia. Djibril's story of overcoming adversity and the success of primatology specialists' intervention has become a benchmark for the protection of the western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus). The Valencian park houses the largest group in Spain of this subspecies, classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Djibril taught us that happy endings exist. Despite the expert care his mother received at BIOPARC Fuengirola, due to her traumatic past, she was unable to care for the little one, and intervention was necessary. His significant genetic value prompted an operation in search of an “adoptive” mother, and he was transferred to BIOPARC Valencia, where Eva finally took him in as if he were her own son. After many months of work, a progressive adaptation was achieved within what is now his family.
The chimpanzee enclosure has seen a significant improvement as part of the Animal Welfare plan. Two large trees, which are actually iron structures, have been incorporated, designed, created, and installed by the multidisciplinary team. These new, carefully themed trunks combine scientific knowledge, technique, and art, and become a stimulus that promotes the natural behavior of this species, expanding possibilities for exploration, rest, and movement at height.
This commemoration transcends the festive realm and becomes an opportunity to raise awareness in society about the critical situation of these great apes. The BIOPARC Foundation acts directly in their original habitat. In this regard, collaboration with the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone has been launched, a fundamental project to protect the western chimpanzee. Their work not only focuses on rescuing and caring for these animals, victims of illegal trafficking, but also on protecting the forests where they live, maintaining natural corridors between this country and Guinea, and working hand-in-hand with local communities through environmental education and community development.
