Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust (Chimfunshi) is one of the oldest and biggest sanctuaries for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees, located in Zambia's Copperbelt Province.

Established in 1983, the sanctuary began as a family-run operation when David and Sheila Siddle took in a severely injured infant chimpanzee named "Pal" after it was brought to their cattle ranch by a game ranger. The Siddle’s nursed Pal back to health, marking the beginning of Chimfunshi's mission to provide care and rehabilitation for chimpanzees in need. Many other chimpanzees were rescued from poachers who sought to smuggle them into Zambia for the illegal pet trade, while some came from zoos and circuses around the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.

The sanctuary is one of the founders and a member of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) and has received widespread recognition for its efforts in chimpanzee conservation.

Since 2023, Chimfunshi has been developing a new strategy with a holistic approach, called the 3Cs, with the aim of creating a model where the community lives in harmony with nature, integrating :
- the Chimfunshi Sanctuary,
- the local Community, and
- Conservation.

Chimfunshi is a non-profit organization that does not receive any government funds. Chimfunshi depends almost entirely on public generosity and private donations for the means to continue its work.

Want to conduct research at the sanctuary? Email Edwin at researchchimfunshi@gmail.com to obtain research application materials and to learn about the research possibilities. The sanctuary serves as an ideal setting for observing the complex social behaviours, communication, and cognitive abilities of chimpanzees.

Want to be involved? Email volunteer@chimfunshiwildlife.org to get the details and book your stay!

Want to visit? Chimfunshi is open every day, offering the opportunity to learn about chimpanzee conservation, the local wildlife, and the Miombo landscape. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance for accommodation, activities, and meals. Email enquiries@chimfunshiwildlife.org