When a car pulled up to rescue organization Ape Action Africa in Cameroon, the staff was surprised, and moved, to see who was in it — and where she was.
A baby chimpanzee who would be named Jenny was curled up on the floor. Up until this point, she'd been so neglected and abused that she was wary of humans, and wanted to stay far away from them. Rescuers described her as "curled up in a sad ball."
Jenny was spotted tied up in a yard by a concerned neighbor. He noticed that there were wounds on her waist and hips from the rope tethering her. He managed to convince his neighbor to give up the baby chimp, and then drove for more than an our to Ape Action Africa, where he knew she would get the help and support she needed.
But after spending all of her short life tied up outside, Jenny honestly didn't know what to do.
"The little baby was so unused to human affection that she refused all contact and spent the whole journey on a blanket on the floor," Ape Action Africa wrote.
But soon, Jenny would come around, especially when she got a taste of her new life and learned that it could be beautiful.
[H/T: The Dodo]
Jenny is about 10 months old, but she's already had a tough life. She was kept tied up in a yard, resulting in wounds on her hips from the rope.
She was rescued by a kindly neighbor and Ape Action Africa, but due to her isolation and abuse, she has a long road of recovery.
When she came to the center, she was skittish and refused contact. But she was also exhausted, disoriented, and scared. She spent the journey in a "sad ball" on the floor of the car, clutching a blanket.
But on her second car trip to Ape Action Africa's Mefou Primate Sanctuary, she began to realize that these humans were here to help.
She ended up crawling into rescuer Rachel's lap and falling asleep.
After a long sleep at the sanctuary, rescuers are hopeful for Jenny's recovery, but she's still getting over her past trauma, and doesn't like to be held. She does allow some gentle petting and grooming, which the staff is using to build her trust and confidence.
When she's given the proper medical clearance and proves that she can socialize, Jenny will be introduced to the other chimps at the sanctuary, many of whom have gone through rescues of their own.
She'll be able to play and make friends with other chimps, something she hasn't had an opportunity to do.
Ape Action Africa reports that Jenny seems interested in meeting everyone. "She listens intently to the calling of the chimp group nearby, hooting gently in response."
It's a good sign, and a sign that even after her troubles, Jenny will fit in.
"We will never be able to replace what she has lost," they say, "but [we] hope that we can give her a lifetime of love and companionship with her own kind."
Soon, Jenny will join them and they'll become her new family.
For now, though, she's still recovering and gaining back her strength by eating bananas and papaya and getting rehydrated.
If you'd like to help chimps like Jenny lead happy, healthy lives, consider making a donation to rescue organizations like Ape Action Africa. You can also keep up with Jenny on their website and on Facebook.
SHARE Jenny's story so that more chimps in need can get a second chance at life!
