Every year on July 14, we celebrate World Chimpanzee Day, a date that commemorates the day in 1960 when Dr. Jane Goodall first stepped into the Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania and began her groundbreaking research on wild chimpanzees. Her work changed the way we understand not only chimpanzees, but also ourselves. Today is a moment to reflect on all that chimpanzees have taught us, and more importantly, what we owe them in return.
Our Closest Living Relatives
Chimpanzees share about 98.7% of our DNA, and watching them, whether in the wild, in sanctuaries, or at rescue centres like Monkey World in Dorset, England, is a deeply humbling experience. Their emotional depth, complex social structures, and capacity for empathy and problem-solving challenge our ideas of what separates humans from other animals.
They live in tight-knit communities, raise their young with care, form friendships, and even engage in conflict resolution. In many ways, watching chimpanzees is like looking into a mirror, one that reflects both our potential for connection and, sadly, our capacity for harm.
A Visit to Monkey World
During my recent visit to Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, I had the privilege of spending time with several chimpanzee groups who now live safe and enriched lives after being rescued from incredibly difficult pasts. Some had been used in entertainment, others kept as pets in unnatural and isolating conditions. A few were rescued from laboratories.
At Monkey World, these individuals have a second chance. They live in carefully designed enclosures, with indoor and outdoor access, climbing structures, enrichment activities, and, most importantly, social groups that support their rehabilitation. I watched them groom one another, explore their environment, and even engage in playful mischief. There was one chimp in particular who seemed to enjoy tossing straw at visitors just to get a reaction, proof, perhaps, of the sense of humor these primates so clearly possess.
The work being done by the team at Monkey World is a testament to what is possible when compassion meets expertise. And on a day like today, their efforts are worth celebrating alongside the chimps themselves.
The Challenges Chimpanzees Face
Despite their brilliance and beauty, chimpanzees are endangered. In the wild, they face devastating threats: poaching, habitat destruction, and disease have all contributed to dramatic population declines. Meanwhile, in captivity, they are often exploited in circuses, zoos, or as exotic pets, deprived of the social and environmental conditions they need to thrive.
Organizations like Monkey World, The Jane Goodall Institute, and many others are working around the clock to rescue, rehabilitate, and advocate for chimpanzees worldwide. But they cannot do it alone.
How You Can Help
There are several meaningful ways to make a difference this World Chimpanzee Day. One of the most direct is to support sanctuaries and rescue centres, consider donating to organizations like Monkey World and The Jane Goodall Institute, or adopting a chimpanzee to help provide for their daily care and enrichment. Education also plays a powerful role. Sharing what you learn about chimpanzees and the challenges they face raises awareness and inspires others to take action. It is equally important to avoid unethical tourism and entertainment, never support businesses that exploit chimps for photo ops, performances, or close-contact encounters. Responsible consumption is another key step, as deforestation driven by unsustainable practices, such as the palm oil industry, continues to destroy chimpanzee habitats. Choosing eco-certified products can help reduce this impact. Finally, raising your voice in support of stronger legal protections for great apes, both in the wild and in captivity, can contribute to lasting change for these intelligent and vulnerable beings.
A Day to Reflect and Recommit
World Chimpanzee Day is not just a celebration: it is also a call to action. As we learn more about these incredible beings, we also gain insight into the kind of world we want to build: one that values intelligence, emotion, family, and respect for all life.
For me, this year’s celebration is deeply personal. After my visit to Monkey World and the moments I shared observing rescued chimps, I carry with me a renewed commitment to protecting these incredible primates and supporting those who care for them.
If you have never stood face-to-face with a chimpanzee, I encourage you to read more, visit an ethical sanctuary, and explore the remarkable work being done in their name. We owe it to them, not just today, but every day.
To read more about my visit to Monkey World and the inspiring work they do, check out my latest blog post:
👉 Behind the Scenes at Monkey World: A Journey of Conservation and Connection
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