Thokozani Lodge

16/08/2025

16/08/2025

Monday mood.

📸: Fernando Turmo

16/08/2025

16/08/2025

Sometimes, the best friendships take time. 💛 When quiet boy Mikey and popular girl Queenie B first met at the sanctuary, they didn't hit it off.

But over the years, something shifted. These days, the two sit with each other and hold each others feet and hands and play their favorite game of footsie. They're always in close proximity, and they're always ready to play.

"She takes care of him in some ways and keeps him company," says their caregiver, Lauren. "They'll hang out inside, and Mikey will lay down and Queenie will sit beside him. She is usually the one who initiates, but he is happy she is there. She has a lot of friends, but she still chooses to be with Mikey."

📷 Caregiver, Lauren

16/08/2025

When the world can feel more tense than ever, here's something worth remembering: Even our closest animal relatives can forgive one another! 🕊️

In the wild chimpanzee communities of Gombe, where Dr. Jane began her research more than six decades ago, conflict is natural. It's just part of life. But reconciliation is part of life, too.

One remarkable behaviour observed among the chimpanzees is reassurance. 🐵

After chimpanzees fight or have some sort of disagreement, chimpanzees may reach out – as seen here, in this shot from long ago. Such gestures help repair relationships, reduce tension, and restore harmony.

Conflict is inevitable. But the decision to reconnect, to comfort, and to choose peace? All of us can learn that from chimpanzees – and from each other. 💚

📸: Hugo van Lawick

16/08/2025

🎉 Did you guess correctly? 🐵✨

The mystery chimp from yesterday was…
🥁🥁🥁
DINKA!

Handsome, bold, a little chaotic, and full of personality — Dinka was rescued from Sudan and has been a part of the Chimp Eden family for many years. He’s not the alpha (though don’t tell him that), and while he doesn’t have one best friend, he enjoys quality time with everyone in his group.

And yes — when it comes to dinnertime, he’ll always choose bean soup over oats!

Thank you to everyone who played along! Stay tuned for the next round of — we’ve got plenty more personalities to celebrate! 💚

16/08/2025

Suzie’s got style! 🐵💚🌿
Move over, fashion influencers — Suzie has entered the chat.

While there’s been quite a fuss recently about chimpanzees at a sanctuary in Zambia who started placing grass in their ears and, well… other places — we’ve got our very own grass-ear trendsetter right here at Chimp Eden!

Suzie has been spotted on multiple occasions climbing up her platform with a few grass twigs in hand. Once she’s found the perfect sitting spot, she begins her routine:
✔ One twig in the left ear
✔ One in the right
✔ And if it’s long enough? One end goes in her ear… and the other into her mouth!

She’s the only one in her group who does it — which makes us wonder: is this her signature style, a self-soothing behavior, or a cultural trend in the making?

Whatever it is, we’re loving Suzie’s bold individuality. 💚

06/04/2025

Thokozani Lodge will be the right place to be.
You are looking for accommodation for a breakaway for you and your family? You want to visit this beautiful part of South Africa. With the Panorama Route and Kruger NP.
We are sure Thokozani Lodge will be the right place to be. Come and visit our website and book our last-minute-offer.
Enjoy the silence of our wonderful subtropical garden with huge swimming pool., the kids can explore the garden, run and play around. Discover the bird life. and enjoy their sounds
We offer free WIFI, TV, Fridge, Microwave, Coffee and Tea Buffet, Breakfast.

̈gernationalpark ̈dafrika

Cell: +27 82 421 2392 (WhatsApp)
E-mail: [email protected]
WEB-Site: www.thokozanilodge.com

22/02/2025

Celebrating Jessica and Charles

🧐Did you know that Jessica and Charles, two remarkable chimpanzees at Chimp Eden, are turning 42 years old this year? This makes them the oldest in Group 1, with Jessica proudly holding the title of the oldest female chimpanzee at the sanctuary!

Even at their age, they’re both full of life and play vital roles within their group. Jessica is a strong and confident leader who isn’t afraid to keep everyone in line when needed. Charles, on the other hand, has a playful spirit and enjoys spending time with the boys—and even the youngest chimp in the group, Amari.

Their vibrant personalities and contributions to the group are a testament to the enduring strength and social bonds of chimpanzees. Let’s celebrate these two incredible individuals and the joy they bring to Chimp Eden!

09/02/2025

💧Meet Njabulo – One of Our Dedicated Chimp Caregivers!💧

Njabulo has been part of the Chimp Eden team for 10 months, and his favorite part of the job is observing the chimps’ behavior and how they interact with their family groups. Watching these social dynamics unfold is both fascinating and rewarding for him.

When it comes to favorites, Zeena and Thomas stand out. "Zeena is more like an outcast, and I have a soft spot for her. Thomas, on the other hand, is the alpha of Group 2, and I really admire him."

Some of his funniest and most memorable moments involve Zee playing in the pond and Amari causing mischief with the family—moments that showcase the chimps’ playful and unique personalities.

A typical day for Njabulo includes food preparation, cleaning the pond, and making sure the chimps have everything they need. While there isn’t one particular challenge, he notes that chimps, much like humans, have mood swings. "One day Lika might be fine, the next she’s not. The same goes for Martha and Josephine. Interacting with them requires patience and understanding."

His message to those curious about caring for chimps?
"They eat a lot! You have to make sure they get the right amount of food to match their energy levels, so they stay healthy and active."

Stay tuned as we continue introducing the incredible team that looks after our chimps every day! Photo attached is Thomas.

❓Have a question you would like to ask Njabulo, feel free to leave it in the comments.❓