Her name is Wounda, but her name says it all. In the Congo it means ‘close to dying’ – and that is exactly how she was found when she was taken in by the Jane Goodall Institute’s Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in the Republic of Congo.
Never forget: Wounda hugs her caregiver and rescuer Dr. Jane Goodall on an island in the Congo
Special bond: The love felt by Wounda towards Dr. Goodall is clear to see as she is released into the wild
Can we have a moment? The image is both touching and tender as the two hug for a final time
So long! Dr Jane Goodall watches as Wounda begins to explore the island sanctuary and take in her new found freedom
Suffering from a number of illnesses and losing weight fast, it was a race against time to help save her life.
Touch me: Wounda prods her fingers through the slits in the wooden box
The journey beging: Wounda is placed into a box and loaded on the back of a pick-up truck for her journey to the santuary. You can see Wounda’s fingers coming through the slits
It has been 20 years since the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center opened in the Republic of Congo.
New home: Through dense, lush vegetation, Wounda is carried onto the island
River wild: The sanctuary is on an island on Tchindzoulou Island in the nearby Kouilou River
Sailing: The JGI Congo team and Jane Goodall transport chimpanzee Wounda on the Kouilou River for her release on Tchindzoulou Island
The Jane Goodall Institute was provided the use of Tchindzoulou island by the Congolese government to help create new space for chimpanzees.
Dr Jane Goodall: It’s a proud moment for Dr. Goodall as she tells the story of how Wounda a female chimpanzee has been reintroduced in the wild on the island of Tchindzoulou after staying at Tchimpounga sanctuary when she was rescued
Baby steps: Wounda takes her first step out into the lush green vegetation of the Congo jungle
King of the jungle: Wounda sits on top of the box she was transported in and takes a look around
One hug says it all: Wounda embraces Dr Goodall in a heartfelt moment of thanks and love
Wounded: Wounda was living up to her name when she was found a couple of years ago. She was desperately ill and close to dying
Step by step: Wounda was nursed back to health by a team of caregivers at the Jane Goodall Institute in the Congo
The long road to recovery: Dr Jane Goodall and Dr. Rebeca Atencia (right) discuss what the future holds for Wounda
‘This is a really exciting moment for me,’ Ms Goodall says to the camera. ‘Wounda nearly died but thanks to Dr. Rebeca Atencia she came back from the dead.
We’ve come a long long way togetherL In 2012 Wounda was gravely ill. She was nursed back to health at the JGI Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center
Go forth and prosper! Jane Goodall and Rebeca Atencia watch orphan chimpanzee Wounda after her release on Tchindzoulou Island
Lazy Days: Wounda relaxes with friends on Tchindzoulou Island a month after her release