Chimp found dead in reservoir

Rhamba drowned in the nearby reservoir whilst fleeing from capture. Apparently she had been harassed in her enclosure and escaped despite the electric wires and other barriers. She was shot with tranquillisers in the stomach and staggered to the reservoir where she then drowned.

Well... they say hindsight is 20/20. In this case I think the zoo could have handled the matter better. Rhamba was a tame chimpanzee used for photography and appearances at zoo events. There were keepers who have worked with Rhamba since she was just a baby whom she would have entrusted her very life to. That was how close the bond between her and her keepers was. That she had to die so tragically is sad.

I could not fully express everything that she and I have been through over the years.
When I first joined the zoo I was often delegated to do my most favourite activity of all; Snake Photography!! It so happened that the Chimpanzee Photography mound was just next to mine. So very often I would take the opportunity to sneak over there when there were no crowds at my side. Chimpanzees are extremely intelligent creatures. Rhamba, and her companion Ganga, were no exception. Watching them playing was little different from watching little babies doing likewise. Their favourite keeper was Wahid. Watching the 3 of them going at it was hilarious.
The 2 chimps would playfully roll around,play hide-and-seek or find great amusement in even simple things like sticks or towels. I have a couple of pics taken with Ganga and Rhamba. Sometimes all we have are memories...

To Rhamba...you are in a better place now.....