RoC - Revised 20240522 - Jane Goodall Institute Australia

Republic of Congo:
Africa’s Lungs

The Republic of Congo is located within the Congo Basin; an area that contains the world’s second-largest rainforest and serves as Africa’s lungs. This vast, biodiverse forest is home to 10,000 species of plants and 400 species of mammals — including endangered central chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes). Rich in natural resources, the region faces many human threats, including deforestation for logging and mining, the illegal wildlife trade, and climate change.

Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre

Strategy

Ensuring the welfare of captive chimpanzees

Key outcomes

Rescued chimpanzees receive lifetime rehabilitative care from Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre

The community’s awareness of their roles, responsibilities, rights, and returns in both chimpanzee and general wildlife conservation is increased through Tchimpounga Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre’s environmental education resources and programs

The enforcement of wild chimpanzee protection laws is improved through Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre providing a safe refuge for chimpanzees confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade

Project Overview

Founded in 1992, the Jane Goodall Institute’s (JGI) Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre (Tchimpounga) is one of the largest chimpanzee sanctuaries in Africa, with more than 140 rescued chimpanzees currently in its care. In the Republic of Congo, Tchimpounga serves as a beacon of hope, taking in orphaned chimpanzees rescued from the illegal pet or bushmeat trade.

Surrounded by 129,000 acres of rainforest and savannah and incorporating three forested islands within the Kouilou River, Tchimpounga is a natural safe haven from bushmeat hunters, encroaching development, and wild chimpanzees.

Through the expert care of the JGI staff and the generous support of people just like you, Tchimpounga is a second chance for chimpanzees who have suffered.