Studying great apes carries the risk of transmitting human diseases, so field projects work to mitigate this by implementing detailed hygiene and safety plans. The Ozouga Chimpanzee Project follows IUCN best-practice guidelines, such as wearing masks, keeping a distance of at least 8 meters from individuals, and keeping forest clothing separate from other. However, one of the most important measures is a 5-day quarantine before entering the Ozouga camp.
In past years, the Ozouga team completed this quarantine in an abandoned tourist camp 40 minutes from the main camp. But that site has since fallen into serious disrepair. Thanks to Deutsche Postcode Lotterie, the Ozouga Chimpanzee Project can now build a new quarantine camp, providing a safe, comfortable work and living space for researchers and guides.
For more details, see our News post “Healthcare in Chimpanzees”
Old Quarantine Camp © OCP/ERaja Old Quarantine Camp © OCP/FOlthoff Ozouga Guides © OCP
