JGI Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center

Every year poachers in the Congo Basin kill chimpanzees as part of the illegal bushmeat trade. Typically, the hunters spare the lives of the smallest, confiscating them and selling them as pets despite laws forbidding such trade.

The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) works to end the illegal commercial bushmeat trade through education and awareness programs, community-centered conservation activities including development of alternate sources of protein, and policy efforts.  But, until demand for bushmeat subsides, illegal hunting will continue. 

To help these victims of the illegal bushmeat and pet trades — many of whom are orphaned babies — JGI operates the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center (TCRC), a safe haven in Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo. At Tchimpounga chimpanzees who government officials have confiscated from illegal trade can get needed care, attention and a safe place to live out their lives.