They Were Only Babies

Before they ever knew freedom, they knew loss.

Deep in the forests of Africa, infant chimpanzees were torn from their mothers and captured for laboratory testing.

Their families fought to protect them.

Many were killed.

For every baby chimpanzee taken, as many as 20 adult chimpanzees lost their lives.

The young chimps were packed into crates, flown across the world, and confined to laboratories where they would spend years in isolation.

No trees.

No sunshine.

No family.

No freedom.

Only cages, experiments, and loneliness.

A Future That Seemed Lost

For decades, these chimpanzees lived without the things that make life meaningful.

They could not climb.

They could not forage.

They could not build nests.

Not one had ever experienced the simple comfort of companionship.

The trauma they endured left deep emotional scars.

For years, their future seemed hopeless.

A Second Chance

Everything changed in 2009.

With the guidance of world-renowned primatologist Jane Goodall and other specialists, our partner charity based in Austria, Gut Aiderbichl created a sanctuary designed specifically for rescued chimpanzees.

For the first time, they experienced what life should have been.

Sunlight.

Fresh air.

Trees.

Friendship.

Freedom

Safety.

For the first time, they were treated not as laboratory subjects, but as individuals.

Every small step forward became a victory.

Meet the Chimpanzees You Are Helping

Today, 27 chimpanzees call our sanctuary home.

Each morning begins with nutritious fruit-filled breakfasts.

They spend their days exploring, climbing, playing, and socialising with their companions.

At night, they build nests and sleep peacefully in safety.

Simple moments that many of us take for granted represent extraordinary milestones for animals who once knew only confinement and fear.

Recovery Takes Time

Healing does not happen overnight.

Some chimpanzees need years to learn that the world is no longer something to fear.

One of our chimpanzees, Fips, spent 13 years building enough confidence to fully explore the outdoor climbing structures.

For years he would only venture outside while holding onto a rope for reassurance.

In 2024, he finally began exploring independently.

Moments like these remind us that recovery is possible, but it takes patience, care, and unwavering support.

Why We Need Your Help

Unlike many rescue projects, our commitment to these chimpanzees is lifelong.

They cannot be released into the wild.

The sanctuary is their permanent home.

Every day we provide:

• Specialist food and nutrition

• Veterinary care and health monitoring

• Safe indoor and outdoor habitats

• Enrichment and stimulation activities

• Expert animal care teams

• Ongoing maintenance of the sanctuary

Providing this level of care is a long-term responsibility, and we rely entirely on the generosity of supporters.

The Difference You Make

When you donate, you are doing far more than funding food or veterinary treatment.

You are helping chimpanzees who lost everything experience safety, comfort, friendship, and dignity.

You are helping them heal.

You are giving them the life they were so cruelly denied.

Every contribution helps ensure these remarkable animals can continue to live peacefully, surrounded by care and compassion.

Help Them Live the Life They Deserve

These chimpanzees have already survived the unimaginable.

Now they need our help to thrive.

Please support their lifelong care and help us ensure that every chimpanzee at our sanctuary can continue to live in safety, comfort, and peace.

Together, we can give them the future they should have had all along.