Obasanjo donates chimpanzee named 'Patience' to animal centre

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has donated a chimpanzee named "Patience" in his Wildlife Park, to a conservation organisation, Pandrillus Foundation, a non-profit organisation.

According to founders of the organisation, Liza Gadsby and Peter Jenkins, Nigeria's former President Olusegun Obasanjo, decided to place the three-year old animal in the care of Pandrillus so as to realise the special care needs of chimpanzees.

Gadsby and Jenkins said Obasanjo was interested in Patience growing up in the forest as part of the large chimpanzee group at Drill Ranch Afi Mountain.

Gadsby and Jenkins, who have been operating in Nigeria since 1988, said in a release that Obasanjo visited Drill Ranch in 2001, and made a follow-up visit in 2011.

They also thanked the former president for his gesture, and pledged to take care of the animal.

“Patience is a fantastic chimpanzee who has been well cared for by the staff of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Wildlife Park.

“Once she has completed her medical screening in Calabar, she will join the group at the newly completed Nigerian Chimpanzee Center – located at Drill Ranch Afi Mountain in Boki LGA of Cross River state.

“Pandrillus thanks Mr. President and his staff for their logistical support and hospitality during Peter and Liza’s working visit. Welcome, Patience!" Gadsby and Jenkins said.