Tchimpounga Sanctuary

Tchimpounga: A Sanctuary for Rescued Chimpanzees

For many years, we’ve proudly supported the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre in the Republic of Congo, operated by the Jane Goodall Institute. Through our Chimp Guardian programme, supporters can symbolically adopt one of four rescued chimpanzees, each with a powerful story of survival.

Many of these chimps were orphaned by the illegal bushmeat and pet trades. At Tchimpounga, they receive expert care and are gradually integrated into new social groups, giving them the chance to live safe, enriched lives among their own kind.

Set within 129,000 acres of rainforest and savannah, Tchimpounga was founded in 1992 and is now one of the largest chimpanzee sanctuaries in Africa. Since opening, it has provided care and rehabilitation to over 200 rescued chimpanzees.

Group of young chimpanzees sitting on a wooden platform, eating bananas in a lush green forest.
Two young chimpanzees sitting together on a forest floor, one with its arm around the other, surrounded by green plants and fallen leaves.
A close-up of a chimpanzee with dark fur and expressive eyes resting its arm on its knee, in a natural outdoor setting.
A veterinarian conducting an ultrasound on a lying chimpanzee in a clinic, with medical equipment and supplies visible in the background.
Close-up of two young chimpanzees in a natural outdoor setting. The chimpanzee in the foreground has large ears, expressive eyes, and a slightly open mouth. The second chimpanzee is partially visible and appears to be resting or grooming.
Two women are sitting on the forest floor next to a large tree in a lush jungle. One woman has long gray hair and is wearing a green shirt and white pants, while the other has dark hair and is wearing a gray shirt and khaki pants. Both are surrounded

Life at Tchimpounga

Chimpanzees at Tchimpounga are cared for at the main sanctuary and on three forested islands: Tchibebe, Tchindzoulou, and Ngombe. These untouched habitats offer natural protection, rich food sources, and the freedom to live in a secure, near-wild environment.

Each chimpanzee has a unique journey. The dedicated team monitors their health and behaviour closely, creating personalised care plans and helping them form strong bonds within new social groups.

To reduce threats from the illegal bushmeat and pet trades, Tchimpounga supports local communities through education, public awareness, and collaboration with law enforcement. The centre employs nearly 100 Congolese staff and provides around $300,000 each year to local farmers by sourcing food and supplies for the sanctuary. These efforts not only protect chimpanzees but also offer lasting benefits to people living nearby.

A woman wearing a yellow headwrap and blue shirt feeds bananas to several young chimpanzees in a lush green jungle setting.

Become a chimp guardian

For 30 years, chimpanzees rescued by the Jane Goodall Institute, Republic of Congo have found a new home at the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre.

If you would like to support this very special sanctuary, why not become a Chimp Guardian! For just £36 per year, you will receive the following all delivered digitally to reduce our impact on the environment: a lovely digital welcome pack; certificate; exclusive e-updates about your chimp; our supporter e-newsletter, Hope Times; an image of your chimp for you to proudly share on social media and a digital background image of your chimp for you to upload and use during online calls