Chimpanzees crashing and bounding through the forest of Kibale National Park while you sit with local rangers amongst it all is wild Africa at its best. But habituating the chimps to human contact, in an effort to better preserve and study them, is even more overwhelming when they relax, look at you and begin to interact. To come face-to-face with these wild animals is a special experience, particularly when their natural inquisitiveness has them approach and perhaps mimic your actions. There are a few already habituated groups within the park that are wonderful to meet and observe, but there is nothing like the first few steps an unhabituated wild chimp takes towards you; that strange mutual recognition and comfort in their company is powerful stuff.
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