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As the first incredible season of volunteering draws to a close, we are proud to look back on an extraordinary year at Chimp Eden - The Jane Goodall Institute. This year was not just about lending a helping hand. It was about rolling up sleeves, sharing skills, and creating lasting improvements that enrich the lives of intelligent great apes, who sadly had a rough start to life, as well as making memories that last a lifetime in a stunning country with much to offer. Together, our volunteers brought dedication, creativity, and love to every project, and the results speak for themselves!
As with the first year of any new project launch, it takes time for the project to find its feet. Ensuring the itinerary and activities are engaging, helpful, and fun. However, this chimpanzee sanctuary volunteer program has hit the ground running, and we're blown away by the accomplishments of our volunteers.
Upgrading Chimp Eden through volunteer projects
Throughout the year, volunteers achieved a remarkable list of tasks designed to enhance both the daily care and long-term well-being of the chimps. In just the last month alone, volunteers:
- Made and installed thirteen wooden swings, a climbing ladder, five wind chimes, and four outdoor hammocks, providing enrichment and play opportunities.
- Stocked three freezers with a variety of enrichment items, ensuring the chimps could enjoy stimulating treats all year round.
- Deep-cleaned, repaired, and refenced the straw deck, damaged by rain and wildlife, transforming it back into a safe and functional storage space.
- Designed and constructed a brand-new elevated water basin, improving accessibility for older chimps like Joao, the world's oldest chimpanzee at eighty-one years old!
- Revamped night enclosures with new creative hammocks, swings, and tyres, giving the chimps fresh spaces for rest and activity.
These projects may sound simple, but for the chimps, they transcend opportunities to play, relax, and live in comfort. For the staff, they provide essential support in areas that might otherwise be left waiting on the "one day" list.
Many of the chimpanzees were rescued from the confines of small, dirty cages or from chains that kept them anchored to one spot. You can read more about Jane Goodall's chimpanzee sanctuary residents in our blog, "Before & After: Life at Chimp Eden". Now, they roam, run, climb, and explore their huge outside spaces, and with the help of volunteers, they will never have to experience boredom again. This year, volunteers have created hundreds, if not thousands, of enrichment items, from smearing pinecones with paste to building and installing hammocks, and everything in between!
This season, our volunteers also:
- Collected nesting materials for the chimps to make their nest every evening
- Helped plant and harvest food for the chimps from the vegetable gardens
- Prepping and scattering food (don’t forget the resident chimps eat around 220kg every day!)
- Planted a herb garden for scent enrichment
- Celebrated World Chimpanzee Day and World Primate Day with fun and unique enrichment
- Experienced magical morning game drives in Kruger National Park
- Enjoyed bonding at evening meals and weekly braais!
A special story: Joao and the new water basin
One of the most touching projects, thought up by one of our considerate volunteers, was the construction of a new water basin for Joao. At his age, bending down to drink was becoming uncomfortable, and volunteers were determined to make his life a little easier.
The elevated basin they created not only allows Joao to drink with ease, but it has also become a favourite gathering and grooming spot for his family group. It is a beautiful example of how volunteer creativity directly improves lives!
How volunteers went the extra mile
We were also astounded by our volunteers' unbelievable generosity, which did not stop at time or effort. They donated a wide range of items to enrich the chimps' days further and support the sanctuary's operations.
For the chimps, gifts included teddies, blankets, nuts, fruit, bubbles, wagons, buckets, spades, and even trampolines. These items bring moments of joy, novelty, and comfort to the sanctuary residents.
For the sanctuary itself, volunteers generously donated a 500-litre freezer, fencing materials, nuts, bolts, nails, brooms, and kitchen equipment, including a blender and food processor. These contributions make a tangible difference to daily care and future projects.
Why volunteer at Chimp Eden?
Volunteering at Chimp Eden is not just about completing projects or donating items; it's about becoming part of a mission to create a brighter future for rescued chimpanzees. Every swing built, every hammock tied, and every enrichment item delivered contributes to a story of compassion, education and hope.
By joining a wildlife sanctuary project like this, volunteers step into a role that is bigger than themselves. They are helping animals who have survived the odds to live their days in peace and dignity, while supporting the dedicated team who give their all to the sanctuary. Chimp Eden is also open to visitors for educational purposes and to promote the incredible work of the Jane Goodall Institute, contributing to the bigger picture of chimpanzee conservation.
The glowing reviews speak for themselves! Head over to the project page to read reviews from our incredible volunteers, including their favourite activities, the chimps who stole their hearts, the praise for our talented cook, Promise, and lots of photos!
Looking ahead to 2026
As we celebrate the close of this year's volunteering season, we are filled with gratitude for every volunteer who gave their time, energy, and heart to Chimp Eden. Their impact will continue to be felt long after the projects are complete, and the joy shared by the chimps is the greatest reward of all.
A huge thank you to our first-year volunteers! Here's to a successful end of the season with many more moments of impact ahead in 2026. If you want to make your own mark next year, join us on a volunteering journey at Chimp Eden. With exciting plans on the horizon, you can become part of the Chimp Eden legacy while experiencing the fulfilling and adventurous nature of volunteering abroad. Plus, next year will mark 20 years since Dr Jane Goodall officially opened Chimp Eden, so there'll be some exciting celebrations ahead.
- P.S. There's a week left of our special offer: 15% off any start date when you secure your place by September 30th. Get in touch and enquire about volunteering in South Africa today!
