Butati Nyundo

Butati has a long history with Mahale National Park. Born in the area, and with a father who was part of the original Japanese chimpanzee research project, it isn't surprising that Butati has always had such a passion for chimpanzees and the Mahale Mountains. He initially studied Wildlife Management, has been both a ranger and a guide, and now is one of Nomad’s leading chimpanzee experts at Greystoke Mahale. Behind his cheeky smile, Butati has a wealth of knowledge of the flora and fauna of Mahale, which he is only too willing to share.

While his family lives in the village of Katumbi, on the edge of the park, Butati’s surrogate family is the clan of chimpanzees found around Greystoke. His closeness with them extends from knowing all of their names and their individual characters. Following the dramas of the chimp community is one of Butati’s highlights of working at Greystoke. Keeping up with the latest primate politics constantly keeps him on his toes.