Villagers of cluster villages of Bakossi National Park, Kupe Muanenguba Division have narrated friendly encounters with visiting gorillas and chimpanzees.
This took place recently at Kodmin, Tombel Sub Division in a sensitization meeting in prelude to the celebration of the first edition of World Primate Day by Bakossi National Park in collaboration with AFRINET.
Esong Alexander, the Catechist of Catholic Church Kodmin recounted that while he was relaxing at home recently, he saw a gorilla at his window waving at him.
He said he immediately jumped and went outside with two chairs. Esong said the gorilla followed him and sat next to him smiling. “I was so confused. I was not afraid though people around me were afraid. I gave him whiskey and cigarette. About thirty minutes later, he left my residence and walked away to the forest.” He explained.
Meanwhile Ewang Marcus Ewang also recounted that a guerilla once met him at his neighbour’s house in Kodmin. He said everybody was afraid and ran from the gorilla.
“Since I have been sensitized by Bakossi National Park that gorillas are friendly, I got up and went outside towards my house. I realized that the gorilla was following me. When I got to my house, I sat outside and the gorilla also came and sat next to me. The gorilla kept smiling and waving at me. I gave him food and water. After eating and drinking, the gorilla bade me good bye and left for the forest.” Ewang disclosed.
Potentials for Tourism
The Conservator of the Limbe Zoological Garden, Dr. Ettagbor Hans who was guest speaker at the event, congratulated the villagers for putting to practice conservation messages preached to them over the years. He said these animals can freely come to villages because they no longer hear the sound of gun or are threatened by poachers.
He encouraged them to continue this friendly altitude with primates so that they can always feel safe to visit villages and return to the forest. “This alone should be transformed to touristic gains.” He added.
The Conservator said once animals don’t hear the sound of gun, they feel secured and can always stray into villages and return to the forest.
He advised that once they see guerillas, chimps and other animals around, they shouldn’t be afraid but treat them as friends. He said they should give them clean water to drink and mostly fruits like pawpaw. “Don’t give cooked food to primates. It can affect their stomach and because they don’t have hospitals in the forest, this can lead to death. Also, don’t give alcohol and cigarettes to animals.” He advised.
The Conservator further warned the people to refrain from having sex with these animals, playing with their sexual organs or going too close to them. “Remember, diseases like tuberculosis and ebola can be transmitted from humans to animals and vice versa.” He cautioned.
Dr. Ettagbor further admonished that once primates stray to villages and return unhurt, they will always come visiting again with their friends. He said as animals start moving in and out of villages, it will be a powerful source of finance as tourists will always visit their communities to see these animals.
Baby Bakossi
He further recounted that Baby Bakossi, a baby chimp that was rescued by the Park at Derk village, Bangem Sub Division is faring well at the Limbe Zoological Garden. He said the female baby chimp has grown stronger and has developed the spirit of a fighter. He said if Baby Bakossi was not rescued to the zoo, she would have longed died.
The Conservator advised that once the population discovers a stranded primate in their villages, they should inform their community leaders to keep the animals in safe places before the arrival of conservators or forest experts.
Traditional dances and libation culminated the event.
Also present at the event was Chief Abwe of Kodmin Village, the Community Development Officer of Bakossi National Park, Elvis Ngome Kome, Chief Inyang Zachary Ekpe, Conservation Education Officer, PSMNR, South West Region, Chief Ndode Ewang of AFRINET, amongst others.
By Olive Ejang
