May 25, 2026

La Vieille and her story – which started with loss, but became one of healing

Photo: Fernando Turmo

We want you to meet La Vieille, one of the chimpanzees at the Jane Goodall Institute’s Tchimpounga Sanctuary – whose story started with loss but became one of healing.

La Vieille was orphaned and subjected to unfortunate zoo conditions. After years of neglect, she was rescued and carefully transferred to Tchimpounga, where she could get the care she needed from professional caregivers.

And yet, even after she came to the sanctuary, her trauma and fear ran so deep that she did not leave her enclosure for two years. With time and consistent care, her confidence started to improve and she started to explore.

Then something remarkable happened.

An orphaned infant chimpanzee, Likuaka, arrived at Tchimpounga in critical condition. La Vieille comforted him, protected him, and eventually raised him as her own.

She went on to raise numerous other young chimpanzees at Tchimpounga. She chose to guide, nurture, and protect them – showing us what is possible with care and time.

Want to support more stories like this, and help make sure more chimpanzees can get the care they need and second chance they deserve? Go here to find out how you can do just that.

Note: The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada does not endorse the handling of, or close proximity to, wildlife. This represents a sanctuary context with trained professionals.