The Chimp Eden - The Jane Goodall Institute is home to 33 rescued chimpanzees, each with an incredible transformation story to share. These chimps were rescued from harrowing circumstances, including the illegal pet trade, roadside attractions, and lives of neglect and abuse. Though their pasts are heartbreaking, their present and futures are bright - and you can play a role in their care.
As a volunteer, you'll not only support the Jane Goodall Institute's important mission of chimpanzee care and conservation but also build connections with these extraordinary apes. We want to introduce you to some of the remarkable chimpanzees who call Chimp Eden home, giving you a glimpse of what awaits. From their transformative journeys to the sanctuary to their charming quirks, these apes and their stories are sure to capture your hearts.
MEET CHARLES
Group 1 | Origin: South Africa | Age: 42
Charles came from a South African circus, where he lived with another chimp named Jessica. As he grew larger and became harder to handle, he was unfortunately locked in a small cage in a dark room and remained in solitary confinement for several years. During this time, he seems to have suffered severe physical abuse. When Charles arrived at Chimp Eden in 2009, he was in a poor mental state and severely malnourished. The stress had caused him to pluck much of his fur, particularly around his face and arms. At that point, Charles was a very depressed animal who did not trust humans.
Since arriving at the sanctuary, Charles has overcome his depression and now eats very well. He has a close bond with Jessica, as they have known each other for many years. Charles displays good social behaviour and is gentle yet assertive with younger chimps in his troop.
MEET SUZIE
Group 1 | Origin: Angola | Age: 23
Suzie was kept as an attraction at a beachside restaurant in Luanda, Angola. While the owners did not overtly abuse her, she was not protected from the tourists visiting the beach. She often faced teasing and was given cigarettes and alcohol. Suzie arrived at the sanctuary in 2008.
Thriving at Chimp Eden, Suzie is friendly and playful with her group members, though she can be a bully at times. Despite this, she has a nurturing side; she used to allow a younger troop member named Tamu to ride on her back when he was little. Suzie also shows concern for the younger members of her group when they are unwell. She has developed a strong bond with Jessica, and they often play together. Suzie's quirk is that she enjoys placing sticks in her ear, resembling a cotton bud, and is often seen walking around like this.
MEET JOAO
Group 2 | Origin: Mozambique | Age: 77-82
Joao is somewhat of a celebrity at Chimp Eden and is believed to be the world's oldest chimpanzee. Although his exact age is uncertain, he is estimated to be in his 80s. Joao and a female chimpanzee were born into a Mozambique circus and transferred to the Maputo Zoo when they were young. Unfortunately, Joao's companion passed away, and before the zoo could arrange for another chimpanzee, war broke out. As a result, Joao lived in social isolation for about 45 years. During that time, he learned to communicate with a troop of yellow baboons in a neighbouring enclosure. The local community helped by feeding and caring for Joao during his stay at the zoo.
Joao arrived at the sanctuary in 2006, where, despite previous years of isolation, he became the alpha male of Group 2. However, he has since retired and left the leadership to a fellow chimp, Thomas. Joao now has grey fur and a balding head - signs of his ageing. Unusually, for an adult male, he takes on the role of a surrogate mother to the infants, teaching them discipline, and Thomas and Cozy have learned how to rear the youngsters from him. Although Joao has stepped down from his position as alpha male, he plays an important role as Thomas's backup.
MEET COZY
Group 2 | Origin: Bred in USA, Rescued from Italy | Age: 28
Cozy was bred in a laboratory in the U.S. and later obtained by an Italian, who took him to Italy. There, Cozy was forced to pose for photographs and perform tricks for entertainment. He was castrated and, sadly, suffered brain damage due to repeated beatings to the head. After his owner's passing, Cozy was kept in a small cage inside a caravan for several years. As a result, he became very weak and was unable to walk or climb. Cozy arrived at Chimp Eden in 2006. Since then, his physical fitness has improved by almost 100%, although his mental capacity will always be affected by the brain damage.
In the social hierarchy, Cozy is subdominant to the other chimps, Thomas, Joao, and Zac, primarily because of his castration. However, he has made significant progress and can now communicate effectively with the other chimps. Despite being somewhat different, Cozy is a fully accepted member of Group 2, and the other chimps look up to him. He has played a crucial role in helping many younger chimps integrate into the group, and he is considered a hero by his fellow chimp, Tony.
MEET CLAUDE
Group 3 | Origin: Central African Republic | Age: 23
Claude was a victim of the bushmeat trade and was kept as a pet. He was later transferred to a zoo in the Central African Republic (CAR). There, his enclosure was a small cage made of cement and bars, with no trees or grass to enrich his environment. He spent the entirety of his stay in solitary confinement. Rescuers became aware of Claude's situation and contacted the appropriate institute. He was rescued and transferred to Chimp Eden in late 2010.
Although stubborn, Claude has a friendly personality and integrated well into his Group 3. Despite being isolated for most of his life, he demonstrated good social skills and was accepted by the other chimps. Being a fairly large male, Claude climbed quickly in the social hierarchy. He enjoys causing a bit of chaos from time to time and is always ready for a play fight, which is typical behaviour for a male chimp of his age.
MEET JINGA
Group 3 | Origin: Angola | Age: 30
Jinga was kept in the back of a spirit factory inside a converted shipping container next to a loud diesel generator in Luanda, Angola. She was housed with two other chimpanzees, including Mimi, another member of Group 3 at Chimp Eden. While Jinga and Mimi were rescued in 2007, unfortunately, help arrived too late for the third chimp, who had sadly passed away.
Initially, Jinga was mistrustful of humans, but over the years, she became more relaxed around her caretakers. Although she is larger than some of the other females, she is generally friendly towards them. Jinga has earned the nickname "peacekeeper" because she is often seen breaking up fights among the other chimps. She is undoubtedly the sweetheart of the group, readily sharing her food, especially with Mimi.
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Chimp Eden is a lifeline for rescued chimps, and their stories highlight what happens when people choose care and compassion over entertainment. By volunteering on the Chimp Eden - The Jane Goodall Institute project, you are not only providing care for these remarkable apes but actively contributing to Jane Goodall's legacy, furthering chimpanzee conservation efforts in hopes that they one day shed their endangered status.
Join us in South Africa and pave the way for a better future for one of our closest living relatives.
