The chimpanzees in this region have long fascinated both tourists and scientists after they were observed using tools, like stone hammers and anvils, to crack open food.
Their clever and unique behavior has drawn researchers to this remote African site for decades to study them up close.
Despite this deep cultural connection, the population of chimps in the area has dwindled over the years, now reduced to just four.
While scientists and visitors had never encountered major issues with the chimps before, tragedy struck last Friday (20 September) when one of the two remaining male chimpanzees grabbed an eight-month-old baby girl from her mother’s arms.
The chimpanzees have been studied for yearsGetty/Fiona Rogers
Witnesses at the scene told local media that the baby may have provoked the chimpanzee by interacting with its tools.
However, other reports claim the child’s organs were harvested for food, though these details remain unclear.
He added, “It is not clear if the accidents are as a result of food or excitement. It is similar behavior to how chimps treat one another. If they are excited they cannot control their behavior.”
The tragic incident has sparked outrage within the local community.
“It’s the way she was killed, that’s what angered the population.”
Doré also spoke with the Guinea News website, saying that hunger was ultimately what led the chimpanzee to snatch and kill the baby.
Tragedy struck last weekGetty/Anup Shah
He pointed out that a recent project aimed at planting a new green corridor to reconnect the chimps with larger groups had displaced many farmers.
As a result, both the farmers and the chimps have been left without enough food.
