Thousands of kilometers from Madrid, in the forests of the Congo, Rebeca Atencia has been working for more than two decades to protect chimpanzees and the ecosystems on which they depend. This fieldwork was recognized on Monday, June 15, at the fifth annual Animal’s Health Awards.
Professionals, institutions, and academics gathered for an evening of networking and recognition that highlighted the work of those contributing to advances in veterinary medicine, animal health, and public health in Spain.
Rebeca Atencia, director of the Jane Goodall Institute in Congo and veterinary director of the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center, received the Animal’s Health Award for Sustainability.
Recognition of Scientific and Veterinary Work
A well-deserved recognition for this veterinarian who embodies Jane Goodall’s legacy. And who, just as Jane did, fights for the protection of great apes and works to foster a more responsible relationship between humans and nature.
Following Jane Goodall’s passing on October 1, 2025, the fieldwork carried out by all staff members of the Jane Goodall Institute continues with determination and professionalism. Rebeca Atencia carries on this vision, combining science, conservation, animal welfare, and engagement with local communities.
The Jane Goodall Institute’s work is not limited to chimpanzees. Its holistic approach is based on the premise that the protection of biodiversity must go hand in hand with the development of the people living within these ecosystems.
The significance of this legacy has grown to such an extent that the Spanish government has decided to honor Jane Goodall by naming the upcoming “Jane Goodall Act” after her—a pioneering piece of legislation designed to protect the dignity, freedom, and well-being of great apes.
Today, it is Rebeca Atencia whose work, professionalism, and commitment are being recognized—by her peers, by the international community, and by the entire Jane Goodall Institute network around the world.
Recognition of Holistic Work
Upon receiving her award, Atencia recalled that she had arrived in the Congo more than two decades ago to fulfill a childhood dream. “As a veterinarian, it was my childhood dream to save chimpanzees in the heart of the jungle,” she said. Over the years, she explained, she has gotten to know many chimpanzees and formed bonds with them, which has allowed her to discover both the beauty of the jungle and its immense fragility.
“I’ve been lucky enough to meet many chimpanzees—and even form friendships with them—who have taught me just how beautiful the jungle is, and how magnificent the trees and other animals that live there are,” she recounted.
Rebeca also pointed out that African ecosystems are threatened by hunting, deforestation, and resource exploitation whose consequences extend beyond the Congo’s borders.
This reality is what made it so important for her to also commit to protecting the environment and supporting communities that live alongside wildlife. She emphasized humanity’s capacity to both destroy and restore ecosystems. “It all depends on us, humans. Just as we destroy, we rebuild—and that’s what’s incredible about human beings.”
Among the individual actions she mentioned were fighting against oil palm monocultures, avoiding products containing this ingredient, and choosing wood from sustainable sources.
“It’s these small actions that can save the chimpanzees in the Congo,” she explained before summarizing the central message of her speech:
“I went to the Congo to save the chimpanzees, but in reality, we can save them from anywhere on this planet.”
Rebeca Atencia concluded her speech by dedicating her award to her mother, who was present at the ceremony, thanking her for supporting her dreams since childhood and for always believing in her.
Congratulations to her and her entire team for their work in the field.
Copyright: Fernando Turno.
The Jane Goodall Institute does not endorse handling, interacting with, or getting close to chimpanzees or other wild animals.
For more information in Spanish: https://www.animalshealth.es/profesionales/rebeca-atencia-premio-sostenibilidad-yo-me-fui-congo-salvar-chimpances-pero-realmente-pueden-salvar-desde-cualquier-punto-planeta
The photographs of the ceremony are taken from this article, and we apologize for not being able to credit the photographer, who is not mentioned.