Chimpanzees are under threat across their range-state in Africa from habitat destruction, human population growth and encroachment on forests, and the illegal bush meat trade. The Jane Goodall Institute Australia (JGIA) promotes the conservation of Chimpanzees and other great apes through community-centred programs in Africa, and empowers young Australians to be environmentally responsible citizens. JGIA also supports the care of orphaned animals at their Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre in the Republic of the Congo.

Taronga has supported the conservation work of JGIA at Tchimpounga since 2010. Over this time Taronga’s support has contributed to the development of insular release sanctuaries along the Kouilou River, the Mandrill release project, and Ecoguard patrols in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve. Taronga staff have also lent their expertise to assist in the building of animal holding facilities, the selection of individual Chimpanzees for release in the sanctuary, and health checks; knowledge based on over 25 years of Chimpanzee management at Taronga Zoo that was specifically sought by Dr Jane Goodall.