Customer Reviews

My Sanctuary, A Place I Call Home

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This book brought tears to my eyes. Doreen's insightful rendition, in the first person, of how an elderly chimp was first brought to the sanctuary, having never lived in such an environment, and then helping another chimp who was damaged, brought home the realities of life as a chimpanzee in this day and age. It also created much empathy for their plight, and helps both children and adults to see the big picture and understand that if we do not help, life as we know it for so many creatures, will cease to exist..and then-our lives will be irrevocably altered forever as well! I highly recommend this for schools, libraries and for readers of all ages. You will realize the chimpanzee's existence is part of the big picture-we cannot lose one species nor group of animals without having it make a huge impact on the others- AND on US!

"My Sanctuary, A Place I Call Home" is a must read for children and adults as well. Doreen Ingram's stories of the chimpanzees who now reside at the sanctuary, Chimp Eden, not only stir your heart but provide an education as to the plight of these marvelous creatures. Different emotions will stir within you as you read the accounts of some of the chimps' background stories as seen through the eyes of the elder chimp, Joao. You will feel sadness, joy, shock, and even amusement as you read of their individual stories of where they came from and how they eventually arrived at the sanctuary. Their human rescuers and caretakers are also featured in these stories and rightfully so. They are all heroes in my eyes. This is Doreen Ingram's first published writing and I look forward to reading more of her treasures. Kudos to Ms. Ingram!

This book tells the story of an unfortunate number of Chimpanzees who were taken from their brutally killed mothers, captured and used as pets, sideshows, whipping boys. Then, a selfless organization under the Jane Goodall institute, led by a man driven to save these great apes, rescues these creatures from all over the world, bringing them to a sanctuary in South Africa. Told from the point of view of the elder Jao, it is a heartwarming story of hopelessness, fear, replaced by hope and fearlessness. Redemption by the very same species that originally mistreated these wonderful relatives of ours, maybe there is a chance for us.

A well-written and informative book written, I suppose, with youngsters in mind, but a touching and interesting book for anyone who wants some insight into the state of chimpanzees in Africa, especially those lucky enough to be rescued by a first-rate sanctuary like Chimp Eden. A really good little read, dealing with an important subject - for anyone who cares about animals.

My Sanctuary-A Place I Call Home was a really great book. When you read it you will learn the sad story of each chimp and also get a better understanding of all they went through before they found their way to the sanctuary. You will also see how forgiving these chimps are to humans which is surprising because humans treated them so badly. I really liked reading all the different stories of each chimp and it is really great to see how they have become a family. I recommend that children read this book so they can learn more about chimpanzees. I am nine and really loved it and my mom did too. So I guess it is a book for all ages. Cozy Rocks!!! Thanks for writing such a great book! Brandon

Chimpanzees in Africa are under threat and facing extinction due to bushmeat, deforestataion and the illegal pet trade.
This book covers many of these problems thru the eyes of Joao the old grandfather chimp at the JGI Chimpanzee Eden.
People come to know some of the characters living at the sanctuary who have been rescued from all over the African continent. The reader gets to know how these chimps have been treated and how they eventually end up at JGI Chimp Eden.

It is a great read for both children and adults and both young and old will get a glimpse into the world of chimps and sanctuary life

I recommend this book to all.
Phillip Cronje
Sanctuary Manager
Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden

I personally promote this title, Doreen is an excellent writer and she has a way of connecting to the young readers. I recommend it strongly.
Eugene Cussons, Managing Member, JGI Chimpanzee Eden SAMy Sanctuary, A Place I Call Home

MY SANCTUARY tells a compelling story--one that's all too true for captive chimpanzees around the world. Thank you, Doreen Ingram, for giving so many chimps like Joao a voice. And thank you, Jane Goodall, for giving so many formerly captive chimps a home.
--Sy Montgomery, author of WALKING WITH THE GREAT APES: JANE GOODALL DIAN FOSSEY, BIRUTE GALDIKAS