A VICTIM of the illegal bush meat trade in the Republic of Congo has been relocated to a sanctuary in Dorset.

Chocolat is a female orphan chimpanzee who was an infant when her family was hunted and killed.

When rescued, it was discovered that she had injuries from shotgun pellets which left her paralysed in her hand and foot on her right side.

(Image: Monkey World)

After spending the past twenty years in Kenya being looked after by her original rescuer, Chocolat has now found a long-term home at Monkey World, a sanctuary that provides specialist care for chimpanzees who have been smuggled from the wild and/or suffered abuse or neglect.

(Image: Monkey World)

Throughout the journey DHL Express provided Chocolat with VIP service, transporting her in a custom-built crate supported by a team of specialist keepers, aircraft engineers, cargo handlers, security personnel, and pilots. Throughout the trip, Chocolat snacked on fresh fruit, nuts, and sweet potato.

(Image: Monkey World)

Stefanie Powers, founder of William Holden Wildlife Foundation, said “In my avocation as a wildlife conservationist, I am concerned about the illegal trafficking of primates which continues unabated.

“It is only through the extraordinary efforts of individuals such as Alison Cronin and her Monkey World team that our fellow primates may be rescued and rehabilitated.

“We are only a fraction of DNA removed from all our primate brothers and sisters and it is a privilege to play a small part in helping to preserve and protect them.

“Thanks to the outstanding generosity and support from DHL one very special chimpanzee called Chocolat will have a chance at a fulfilling life. As a friend of Chocolat, I am grateful to DHL and Monkey World.”

Dr Alison Cronin MBE, Director at Monkey World, said “We’re so happy to welcome Chocolat. The reason we exist is to offer a nurturing environment for chimpanzees and other primates and to give them back a fraction of what has been taken from them by humans, providing them with a family again.

“Companionship of their own kind is vital to chimpanzees’ wellbeing, as they are social, intelligent animals.

“Living in family groups in as natural an environment as possible is the best kind of rehabilitation we can provide to chimpanzees like Chocolat.”