You can help our endangered cousins
Protect their habitat and improve their living conditions
Chimpanzees
PROTECT CHIMPANZEES
Chimpanzees are central to our work. They are among the five species of great apes, alongside gorillas, orang-utans, bonobos and humans. Since we share 98% of our DNA with chimpanzees, they are our our closest relatives.
The number of chimpanzees worldwide has declined dramatically. Whereas there were 1 million chimpanzees a century ago, only 340,000 remain in the wild today, and they are threatened with extinction. This is largely due to habitat loss through deforestation, the killing and abduction of chimpanzees for illegal trade, conflicts between humans and chimpanzees, and zoonotic diseases.
At JGI, we are engaged in building scientific knowledge about chimpanzees, influencing decision-making to benefit chimpanzees, working to raise awareness around their plight, and working with communities to protect chimpanzees and their habitats. We catch orphaned chimpanzees and advocate for a better future for all chimpanzees, both in the wild and in captivity.
Why adopt?
Symbolic adoption of a chimp through JGI Belgium (you then become a ‘Chimp Guardian’) is a direct and impactful way to contribute to the protection of chimpanzees, an endangered species, and their habitat. You can contribute in two ways, by supporting rescued chimpanzees or protecting wild chimpanzees, see below. Many chimpanzees fall victim to poaching and illegal trade. In the process, infant and baby chimps are being abandoned. These helpless, traumatized orphans are left to fend for themselves. They face death or abuse (if they end up in illegal trade or else), unless they are rescued. Thanks to adoptions, these chimps get the care and protection they need to recover and grow up in a safe environment. With a symbolic adoption, you not only give a chimp better chances, but also contribute to a broader mission to protect nature and provide future generations with a healthier planet.
Which chimpanzees do you support?
More specifically, JGI Belgium is associated with two sanctuaries in Africa (Chimp Eden in South Africa and Dindéfélo in Senegal) where chimpanzees are protected, given a dignified life and researched. Both sites owe their existence and operation to donations from sponsors. Through a symbolic adoption, you thus become Chimp Guardian of specific individuals being monitored at these centres. Although the adoption is purely symbolic and for the benefit of all chimps in the centres, your involvement has an immediate impact on the well-being of all residents, their caretakers and wider network, fully in line with Jane's message: causing ripples of hope to spread in all directions. Your recurring donation as a Chimp Guardian ensures the quality of life and survival of these chimpanzees, but also supports these centres in their day-to-day operations, and you contribute to the survival, research, awareness and involvement of the local communities around these refuges.
ADOPT A CHIMP
For just €130 a year, you can offer chimpanzees protection in their natural habitat or help care for rescued chimpanzees.
HELP RESCUED CHIMPANZEES
These chimpanzees reside at the Chimp Eden sanctuary in South Africa but are unable to return to their natural habitat because they have been traumatised. Help us give them a good life.
PROTECT WILD CHIMPANZEES
These chimpanzees live in the Dindéfelo Community Nature Reserve in Senegal. At the nature reserve, they are protected and cared for. The chimpanzees are also part of ongoing research that builds on Dr. Goodall's work and helps provide data to protect habitats and educate people.
"Chimpanzees, more than any other living creature,
have helped us to understand that there is no sharp line
between humans and the rest of the animal kingdom."
- Jane Goodall
Protection of wild chimpanzees
Jane Goodall Institute’s program for the research and conservation of chimpanzees and sustainable management of natural resources takes place in Kédougou, Senegal and across the border in Guinea. The centre of the activities is Dindéfélo Community Nature reserve and its adjacent areas.
Kédougou is one of the few regions with chimpanzees in Senegal. They have become critically endangered. Many chimpanzee populations have become isolated in patches of forest which threatens their survival. Their biggest threats are human inflicted deforestation along with construction of infrastructure, such as dams, powerlines, and roads. The Dindéfélo Community was created to protect these critically endangered primates and are strong advocates in the community to raise awareness.
Caring for rescued chimpanzees
Chimp Eden Sanctuary is a chimpanzee rehabilitation centre in South Africa. Located in Umhloti Nature Reserve, it is home to more than 30 rescued chimpanzees, all victims of illegal trade or poaching.
Chimp Eden was established in 2006 and is still the only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa. The goal is to rescue chimpanzees that have survived the bushmeat trade, been orphaned, traded in the illegal pet market, or rescued from being abused for entertainment in circuses, beach resorts and nightclubs.
The chimpanzees at Chimp Eden are the lucky ones, living out their lives in a risk free environment and being provided with the necessary attention to recover from the trauma they have experienced.
The phylogeny of apes
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Your donation will be used to restore nature in Belgium and Africa, and to provide help and protection to chimpanzees. We believe it is important to be transparent about the impact of your donation. You can read a full overview of how your donation is used in our annual report. |
How we use your donation?
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