A two- year old unnamed chimpanzee that was saved from poachers in 2014 by Rwanda National Police officers and officials from the Volcanoes National Park in Rubavu District, has been transferred back to its home in DR Congo.

In a statement, Prosper Uwingeli, the Chief Park Warden, explained that they examined the chimpanzee, starting with a complete physical examination. The orphaned chimpanzee was calm and emaciated but had been eating properly.

The primate was transferred on Wednesday.

Rwanda Development Board Chief Tourism Officer, Belise Kariza, said the rescue of the chimpanzee and arrest of the poachers was a clear demonstration of the strong and well synchronised efforts to curb poaching, and reinforce the transboundary partnership between Rwanda, DR Congo and Uganda.

"Over the years we have increased the number of patrols around the park, fenced off most of it and are continuously removing snares set up by poachers to catch the animals. So far, we have achieved a very high degree of success, including converting some of the former poachers into conservation rangers,” she explained.

She pointed out that the programmes will be strengthened to build more capacity and transboundary collaboration to share information and ensure quick action against criminals.

The chimpanzee had apparently been caught using a snare as it was missing the big toe of the right foot and had two small superficial wounds on the right knee.

The rescued primate was also given comprehensive health checks by experts from the Rwanda Development Board and the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project and then transferred to the Kinigi Quarantine Facility in accordance with the established animal rescue protocol, where it has been staying, according to officials.

Genetical tests showed that the chimpanzee is related to the populations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it was transfered.

There is no direct poaching of primates, including gorillas and chimpanzees observed in Rwanda, nor the killing or capture of their infants for the live animal trade, officials said.

However, these animals are said to remain victims of actions against other mammals like antelopes, buffaloes, among others, which may cause injuries or sometimes deaths.

"Rwanda, as a signatory to different conventions, including the Convention on Illegal Trade of Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES), remains committed not only to eradicating poaching in the country, but also to contributing to the global efforts to combat poaching and illegal trade of wildlife in the region and the entire world,” the statement added.

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