Chimpanzee Protection
Protecting chimpanzees in the wild sees the Jane Goodall Institute caring for individuals, increasing awareness and restoring and conserving habitats.
One of the ways the Jane Goodall Institute protects wild chimpanzees and other primates is through the Tchimpounga sanctuary and by supporting law enforcement efforts to reduce illegal trafficking.
JGI also raises awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species. Without sanctuaries, law enforcement officers who confiscate chimpanzees from great ape traffickers or hunters would have no place to take them.
Raising awareness is critically important as well. Local communities have become increasingly aware that they should alert law enforcement agencies about poachers and that hunting great apes is illegal. We are now seeing an increase in arrests and prosecutions as a result of greater application of the law. Even so, we must continue to work towards better protection of chimpanzees.
The Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center
The Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center is the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in Africa. This natural wildlife refuge is home to more than 150 rescued chimps, all victims of illegal trade or poaching.
Public Awareness
Public awareness, school-based programming and community outreach all play a part in our work in the field and at the Tchimpounga sanctuary. It is important that local communities are aware of the decreasing populations of chimpanzees.
Forest Conservation
Deforestation has taken a terrible toll on great ape populations. To save chimps and other primates, we collaborate with communities to protect the surrounding forests.