Chimp Guardian

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Dr. Jane Goodall spent a lifetime proving that one person’s compassion can change the world. She was the first to truly see chimpanzees — not as subjects to study, but as individuals with personalities, emotions, and families worth protecting.

Jane showed us the way. Now it’s our turn.

With our Chimp Guardian program, you can follow the example that Jane set and join the global movement of individuals protecting chimpanzees who have been injured, orphaned, and rescued. You can help give them the second chance they deserve.

We’re looking to grow this program and make more chimpanzees available for symbolic adoption — but we need your help narrowing down the list! Cast your vote here and have your say.

(Don’t worry — no matter who gets added to the program, every animal at Tchimpounga Sanctuary will continue to receive the love and care they need.)

  • Anzac

    When she was just an infant, Anzac lost her arm and fell victim to the illegal wildlife trade. After being rescued and transferred to Tchimpounga Sanctuary, she was suffering from a parasite infection and weighed less than six pounds.

    Despite her condition, caregivers say she was incredibly sweet from day one — and, with their help, she learned to navigate a chimpanzee habitat with one arm, never letting it slow her down.

    She grew especially close to fellow rescued infants Jeje and Zola. Today, she lives on Ngombe Island, climbing tree to tree and keeping pace with her closest friends.

  • Djambala

    After being rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, Djambala was rushed to Tchimpounga Sanctuary with a high fever and parasites — but she recovered fast, and never lost her boldness.

    Even in those first days, she was eager to explore. With love and support from caregiver Francine, Djambala quickly became the most adventurous of the nursery group.

    Djambala has shown remarkable resilience, adapting faster than most to her new environment.

  • Kefan

    Rescued from poor conditions at a zoo more than two decades ago, Kefan needed time to heal from captivity.

    With the love and attention of his caregivers at Tchimpounga Sanctuary, Kefan recovered from the trauma he had suffered in captivity.

    When the sanctuary expanded, he became one of the first residents on Tchindzoulou Island — and emerged as the island’s respected alpha! Nonetheless, he continues to enjoy playing and grooming with the other chimpanzees on the island.

  • Kevin

    Kevin’s rescue started with neighbours who heard his cries. They alerted authorities, who were able to rescue him and hand him over to the Jane Goodall Institute.

    He arrived at Tchimpounga Sanctuary underweight, but — despite everything he’d been through — health checks found no lasting trauma.

    Two caregivers, Chantal and Godelin, watched Kevin blossom into the nursery group’s natural leader, bonding fast with Walter and Patricia.

  • Wounda

    You might remember Wounda from the famous video where she hugged Dr. Jane when she was released into the semi-wild environment of Tchindzoulou Island.

    Wounda arrived at Tchimpounga Sanctuary in critical condition, a victim of the illegal wildlife trade. She had lost half her body weight and could barely move.

    Under Dr. Rebeca Atencia’s care, she received what is believed to be Africa’s first chimpanzee-to-chimpanzee blood transfusion, followed by weeks of constant medical attention. Her recovery was extraordinary and, today, she thrives with her daughter, Hope.

Who do you want to see in our Chimp Guardian program?(Required)