Jane Goodall: Lights On Tchimpounga
US$35,677
of $32,000 targetyrs ago
Successful on 10th Jul 2014 at 12:33PM.
The Jane Goodall Institute's Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in the Republic of Congo is the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in Africa. Originally built for 30 chimpanzees, the sanctuary now cares for more than 160 chimpanzees, many of whom are victims of the international commercial bushmeat trade.
The sanctuary uses a very old solar array to provide electricity for lighting, veterinary medical equipment, administrative technology, food storage and even for battery backups for safety fencing surrounding the chimpanzee enclosures. A very early model solar array, after years of wear and tear, it has become unreliable and does not provide electricity needed to properly care for the chimpanzees.
A gas powered generator is used now as a replacement when the array fails. This is not at all friendly to the environment, and wastes money that could otherwise be used to buy food, equipment or medical supplies for the chimpanzees.
Further, the solar array was originally constructed to meet the needs of a sanctuary caring for 30 chimpanzees. With more than 160 chimpanzees there is a correspondingly higher demand for electricity. The new array will be constructed to meet this demand so that JGI can continue to provide top notch care for the chimpanzees and ensure that we never have to turn an orphan chimpanzee away.
Update
With 24 hours left to pledge we are over 90% of our campaign total. Thank you all for your amazing support. Every dollar counts and these little ones would like to thank you for it.
How The Funds Will Be Used
The funds will be used to install a new solar array at the sanctuary. The current array is very old and unreliable. A new more efficient array will provide the necessary electricity to support the sanctuary's operations including lighting, veterinary medical technology, food storage, administrative technology and even safety fencing for chimpanzee enclosures.
All of these elements of the sanctuary rely on the solar array for electricity. With the funds raised for this project JGI will be able to install a more reliable source of energy, and the staff at the sanctuary will be able to continue providing the highest possible level of care for the chimpanzees
///Expenses///
Panels - $10,800
Deep Cycle Batteries - $7,000
Inverter Charger - $6,300
Controller/Monitor - $1,800
Fittings - $1,410
Installation Materials - $3,000
Labor - $3,690
Transportation - $6,000
The Challenges
Often getting technology to the sanctuary can be difficult. Most products have to be ordered from elsewhere around the world and shipping to the Republic of Congo can take months. We are fortunate to have many great relationships with technology providers and our expert staff understands best practices in ensuring timely delivery.
The solar industry has exploded in the last decade and there are so many companies to choose from. Choosing the right kind of solar array for the environment is going to be important.
With our gratitude we'll list your name on our website.
29 chosen
Est. delivery is Aug 14
We'll list your name on the website and we'll send you a private video showing the new solar array when it is installed.
73 chosen
Est. delivery is Mar 15
A fleece JGI logo blanket made from recycled plastic bottles will be coming your way with a mention on the website and a private video showing the new solar array.
71 chosen
Est. delivery is Aug 14
A plush Mr. H. Jr., toy will be coming your way at this level with a mention on the website and a private video showing the new solar array.
29 chosen
Est. delivery is Aug 14
Team JGI T-shirt
With our gratitude we'll thank you on the website and we'll send you a delightful Team JGI t-shirt that you can wear with pride knowing that you helped this project's success.
14 chosen
Est. delivery is Sep 14
A copy of Dr. Goodall's newest book, "Seeds of Hope" will be coming your way along with a mention on the website and a private video showing the new solar array.
20 chosen
Est. delivery is Aug 14
You'll get everything from $75 and below + a special edition "Lights On Tchimpounga" chimpanzee guardian certificate.
27 chosen
Est. delivery is Aug 14
Everything from $125 and below + a photo of Dr. Goodall and Wounda, signed by Dr. Goodall herself.
6 chosen
Est. delivery is Sep 14
Everything from $250 and below + a Google+ Hangout on Air with one of JGI's foremost chimpanzee experts.
0 chosen
Est. delivery is Jul 14
Everything from $500 and below + an individual conference call with one of JGI's foremost chimpanzee experts.
3 chosen
Est. delivery is Sep 14
Everything from $1,000 and below + a custom made video tour of the Tchimpounga sanctuary.
0 chosen
Est. delivery is Jul 14
Jane Goodall Voicemail
With our gratitude we'll give you everything from $5,000 and below + a custom recorded voicemail message just for you from the one and only Dr. Jane Goodall.
0 chosen
Est. delivery is Sep 14
Trip to Tchimpounga to visit the chimpanzees and see the new solar array first hand. Trip fee does not include airfare, visas or vaccinations. Includes everything from $5,000 and below.
1 chosen
Est. delivery is Jan 15