Africa Programs Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center Become a Chimp Guardian Tchimpounga is where science meets compassion. Surrounded by 129,000 acres of dense rainforest and savannah, lies a safe haven for chimpanzees. For almost 30 years, the Tchimpounga Sanctuary has been home to over 200 chimpanzees orphaned, malnourished, or injured by the illegal wildlife trade and deforestation. Thanks to an incredible team of on-the-ground experts, compassionate caregivers, and dedicated local communities, these rescued chimpanzees are given a second chance. What began as a sanctuary designed to house only 60 chimpanzees expanded significantly with the introduction of three islands in 2013. To Tchimpounga chimps, these islands are so much more than just trees and grass. They’re a safe space to roam in a natural environment while still allowing for needed care from Tchimpounga staff. The waters of the Kouilou River provide a natural barrier to keep them safe from wild chimpanzees, bushmeat hunters, encroaching development and other threats. Ecoguards, hired by JGI, patrol the 555 square mile area to ensure safety from outside threats. The islands are now home to 93 chimpanzees who live in family troops and spend their days exploring the forested canopy. A Day in the Life at Tchimpounga The Jane Goodall Institute does not endorse handling, interacting or close proximity to chimpanzees or other wildlife. The rescued chimpanzees seen in this video are cared for by trained professionals at JGI’s Tchimpounga sanctuary. Threats to Chimpanzees At the turn of the twentieth century, there were millions of chimpanzees living in the wild. Today, there are as few as 172,000. The civil conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo has taken a toll on human and primate populations. Found in the forests of eastern DRC, Grauer’s gorillas in particular have been decimated. Only 6,800 remain. Bushmeat hunting, illegal wildlife trafficking, and poaching have also caused steep declines in primate populations. Bonobos, once known as pygmy chimpanzees, have lost 29% of their habitat. Chimpanzees living in central Africa have lost 17%. Farming, logging and mining destroy large swaths of great ape habitat. Eastern gorillas, the largest gorilla and largest surviving primate, have lost 52% of their habitat over the past 20 years. You can save orphaned chimps, victims of illegal hunting and wildlife trafficking. In fact, the Sanctuary only survives because of individual donations from people like you. Help protect our closest-living relatives today. Donate Today Meet the Chimps of Tchimpounga Sanctuary More than 200 chimpanzees have called Tchimpounga home since the sanctuary opened in 1992. Explore our Chimp Guardian page to get to know their stories, and consider a symbolic adoption. Meet the Chimps Explore Related Content Issue Biodiversity Loss Chimpanzees are just one species at risk. Biodiversity loss is a widespread issue that threatens the “tapestry of life”. Learn more about this crisis and what we’re doing about it. Learn More Story How Helping Mothers Helps Chimpanzees Two infants are born on the same day, a few kilometers apart in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The human baby is born at home, in a remote village with few medical resources. The chimpanzee infant is also born at home, in the soft leaves of the mother’s nest with extended family nearby. Both mothers begin the arduous task of ensuring their infant’s survival. Read News & Updates Meet (and Adopt) Kabi Kabi was two years old when he was rescued by park rangers and brought to the Tchimpounga sanctuary. Saved from poachers, Kabi arrived in weak health and needed immediate treatment for parasites. Kabi has been able to fully recover at our Tchimpounga Sanctuary. Read
