We have a heart-warming update from the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary!
In July 2016, a baboon named Hope was rescued from out in the bush, and began the rehabilitation process that takes place at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary. The project staff and volunteers worked hard to help heal her of the severe abuse and torture she was subjected to. As it turns out, her given name turned out to be quite appropriate, as you'll learn throughout today's blog post!
Hope was found chained to a tree with extreme injuries including broken bones, burnt feet and dog bites. Completely fragile and broken in spirit, she had lost her faith in humankind, so much so that she couldn’t bear to look at those around her. After vital medical attention and the determination of the sanctuary, she quickly began to grow in confidence and a friendship bloomed between Hope and a fellow rescue baboon, Shrinky.
Although Shrinky was not subject to harm by humans, her story is equally heart-wrenching. She was found alone in a barn, with brain-damage (presumed to be caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain during birth). Shrinky and Hope’s friendship was pivotal in rebuilding Hope’s trust in not only people, but in the fellow baboons living alongside her at the sanctuary.
Within the very short space of around 6 weeks, Hope’s emotional scars began to fade, and her spirit began to soar! She soon joined the younger troop of resident baboons in their living space, taking part in daily walks and beginning to immerse herself in the freedom that the sanctuary had to offer. The more walks Hope took part in, the more she began to discover about her surroundings, and gradually the young baboon stopped coming back from the walks with the volunteers. Hope decided to take off and join a troop of nearby wild baboons who welcomed her with open arms.
Now fully recovered, Hope is regularly spotted with her new-found family, living the life that all baboons should. What's more, as of late, Hope has been spotted with a baby of her own!
Important lessons were learnt by all who met this incredible baboon, her inspiring story reaffirming the age-old saying: never give up hope!
The Great Projects' very own Georgia had the chance to work with Hope when she volunteered at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary around the time of Hope’s arrival.
“I had read about the rescue of Hope shortly before I left for my Namibian adventure. I was extremely keen to help in any way I could. When I first arrived, Hope was on my mind and was the first baboon I wanted to see. It broke my heart to see her difficulty in making eye contact with humans.
In my short two weeks at the sanctuary, I was overwhelmed to personally watch Hope develop in confidence and to witness her blossoming friendship with Shrinky. I even cried when Hope was introduced to the young baboon troop and watched as she began to make more and more friends.
As my time was coming to an end, Hope cemented herself as part of the gang and even began to take part in the daily walks! Saying goodbye to Hope, I looked at her in amazement as she had overcome such horror and was now happily running around with her best friend Shrinky.
I regularly checked for updates on Hope's story after I returned home. When she joined the local wild troop of baboons it warmed my heart to think of her quick recovery, thanks to this project. To hear she now has a beautiful baby is unbelievable and extremely exciting. I hope to hear about her and her baby’s progress when she is next spotted!”
To find out more about the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary and how to volunteer, please visit the project page!
