Dog and chimpanzee

Dog and chimpanzee

© @BBC Earth / YouTube

Rescued dogs play a vital role helping baby chimps saved from illegal trade

By Ludivine Mazzotti•

Deep in a forest in Liberia, West Africa, Jimmy and Jenny Desmond set up the Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue & Protection sanctuary to offer a safe haven for chimps saved from the illegal bushmeat trade.

Since the sanctuary was founded, more than 100 young primates have been taken in after losing their mothers.

Carers look after the chimpanzees around the clock and give them constant attention, as these orphans need plenty of support as they grow up.

Learning with great companions

The little ones learn alongside other chimpanzees, but they also get a helping paw from the family dogs! Rescued dogs share their daily lives with the young orphaned chimps. In the video below, you can see Princess, a dog who was saved herself when she was at risk of being put down.

The brave dog became a comforting figure for the young chimps, and her presence helped them feel much safer during their recovery. Sadly, Princess passed away in 2020 at the age of 15. Other rescued dogs, including Pepe, Monkey and Zavy, continue to share their lives with the chimps.

A heartwarming friendship

These special bonds between dogs and chimpanzees bring moments of play and comfort. They show how rescued dogs have played a part in helping other survivors thrive. However, Jenny Desmond reminds us that chimpanzees are not pets.

At the sanctuary, they need to grow up alongside their own kind in a safe, natural environment with care tailored to their needs. The priority for the keepers is to help them rebuild their lives in the best possible conditions. We wish them all the very best!

Translated from the FR Wamiz website using artificial intelligence

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