In September 2020, the Director of JGI’s Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre, Dr Rebeca Atencia, rescued an infant male chimp from a private residence in Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo. He was orphaned and alone.

Despite the hardship that we can only imagine he faced, the orphaned chimp was in good health. When rescued, he had a mild parasitic infection and initial anxious behaviour, due to the psychological trauma associated with being in captivity.

Once he arrived at his new home at Tchimpounga he quickly relaxed. The hard times were behind him. His carers named him Covid, as a reminder that the fight for the protection of wild primates continues, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Once Covid completes his quarantine period, he’ll join the other youngsters at Tchimpounga – George, Kabi, Vienna, Tina, Ebelle, Perrine, and Zeze in the Nursery group. The hard days are behind him and we can’t wait to watch Covid thrive with his newfound family at Tchimpounga.

All photographs by Fernando Turmo/JGI

Support Rescued Chimpanzees

Become a Chimp Guardian today and support rescued chimpanzees like Covid

Explore Related Content

Illegal Wildlife Trade, News and Updates

World Wildlife Day 2023: The Illegal Wildlife Trade and 50 Years of CITES

April 21, 2021
From The Field, Illegal Wildlife Trade

Your Tchimpounga Sanctuary Questions, Answered!

April 21, 2021
Great Apes, Illegal Wildlife Trade

Meet Perrine: Tchimpounga’s Rock

April 21, 2021