Works of art made by chimpanzees

Posted by Focus on Arts and Ecology on - -

Jon,

Did you know Tchimpounga’s chimpanzees can be gifted artists? I find their paintings beautiful, because I know the stories of these rescued chimpanzees—all that they have been through in the past and all the love they now know, thanks to you.

Today I invite you to join the Jane Goodall Institute USA to help these rescued chimpanzees, by supporting optional enrichment through art therapy and so much more for the chimpanzees in our care at Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in the Republic of Congo. When you do, you can download a digital painting by one of our chimpanzee artists, as our thank-you for your support.

Many of the residents here at Tchimpounga, where I film and photograph these amazing animals, have suffered trauma in their lives. Some have seen their families taken for bushmeat, others have been found caught in snare traps in the forest, and still others had been captured for the illegal pet trade and confiscated by authorities. Our teams here help to heal their wounds and treat illness and injuries. But we must care for their emotional needs as well and give them ways to express themselves. As part of their rehabilitation, we provide individualized options of enrichment, including the ability to use painting supplies and canvases. The joy they find in this creative outlet is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

Through each gift you give to the Jane Goodall Institute, you make their healing possible. You save injured and orphaned chimpanzees — and you give wild chimpanzees hope for a future in which they thrive. I hope you will continue your special support for chimpanzees and enjoy the artwork they have created on the path to healing.