Without passionate volunteers like Starink, it would be very difficult to accommodate the number of chimpanzees that come to the island, as well as other sanctuaries every year. Caring for the chimpanzees costs about U.S. $2,000 per chimp each year.
Brigit Lake from the Jane Goodall Institute in Silver Spring, Maryland, says that anyone can volunteer who has worked with primates and has experience living in developing countries. Volunteers can spend up to six months on the island.
As for Indi, he seems to be adjusting well in his new environment. Says Starink, "Except for an adult female, he is really not scared of anyone."
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