Welcome to Simone's Diary!

Over the past few days, you may have followed our project co-director Simone Pika's journey to our Rekambo chimpanzees. Now, step into her world through her personal field diary.

After more than 20 years studying chimpanzees and other primates, Simone has been a full professor at Osnabrück University since 2018 while co-directing the Ozouga Chimpanzee Project (OCP) alongside Tobias Deschner. At Ozouga, there's extraordinary behavior to document and understand.

Simone and the travel luggage

The chimpanzees of the Rekambo community display behaviors never observed in other chimpanzee populations so far. They crack open tortoises to feed on their meat and apply insects to open wounds even applying injuries on other individuals. These remarkable observations, along with the cultural aspects of their tool use and communication, form the core of Ozouga's research.

But the OCP extends far beyond behavioral research. We conduct ecological work including phenology transects and biomonitoring projects using camera traps. We're also committed to fostering African primatology by supporting Gabonese Master's students with field experience and thesis projects.

Zoe, blind in one eye, and her first very young female baby.

Nestled within the stunning Loango National Park in Gabon, protected by the Atlantic Ocean and swamps on either side, this place represents one of Africa's last Edens. Here, thriving populations of elephants, bushpigs, gorillas, and chimpanzees coexist in harmony.

Yet even in this paradise, as everywhere else, life grows increasingly challenging for wild chimpanzees in our shrinking world.

Research is protection. Following this guiding principle, we inform, we reveal, we forge connections between people and the incredible chimpanzees.

Simone's schedule rarely allows her to visit the field and spend time with Loango's incredible chimpanzees. This time, she's bringing you along for an intimate glimpse into the daily lives of researchers, eco-guides, and the chimpanzees of Ozouga.

Stay tuned - see, learn, and be amazed!

Your Ozouga Team