Local CCC Staff

New keepers were hired before the release and local guides were hired for survey, protection and chimpanzee monitoring activities. Most of the keepers spend time at both Somoria and the release site, Bakaria. At the end of 2008, the CCC employed seven keepers, one driver, one boat driver, three guides and one education officer. In Conakry, a house manager is also employed to help with volunteers and tasks in Conakry.

• Albert Somony , keeper
• Antoine Niouma , keeper
• Ibrahima Balde , keeper
• Aliou Balde, driver
• Mohamed Kenda Diallo, (retired) keeper

Mohamed Kenda Diallo (Kenda) - Keeper

Kenda worked with the chimps since '95 as he was hired as a helper in Bissikrima. When the 13 chimps were moved to the CCC in Somoria, he followed them. The chimps were and still are very fond of him and vice versa. They also respected him as most of the older chimps have known him for years and they still respect him very much, despite his small size and that they are now about 8 times stronger than he is. Kenda has recently retired and lives with his family in Faranah. His hard work, love and dedication for the center will not be forgotten.

Kenda came back to the CCC in 2008. He missed the chimps too much, so after over 2 years away he was really happy to see them again and they were really happy to see him too!

Aliou Balde - Driver

He was hired in 2004 when the director dismissed the other driver. He was highly recommended by a friend of the project. The recommendation was correct, Aliou Ousmane has been a real asset to the CCC since his employment. His mechanical skills and his patience have made him an invaluable part of the team. Unfortunately, he was on break when the staff picture was taken. He is older than the rest of our staff and a very good mechanic. He's serious and likes his job at the center. He's married and has 2 sons.

Albert - Keeper

Albert came to work for the CCC as a keeper in 2007. He is the newest keeper though he has helped the center many times throughout his youth, by helping with firewalls and other work. Even before he became a keeper he knew many of the adults names and thier personalities.

Antoine - Keeper

Hired in March 2007. He came to us from the nearby village of Sidakoro where he had been supplying regularly chimp food. Antoine loves to work with the quartantine group.

Ibrahima - Keeper

Hired in February 2007, Ibro takes a large and important role in the educational campaign throughout the local villages and Faranah with volunteers. He also works as a keeper and is great at recording the chimpanzee behavioral observations.