Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden | Nelspruit

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Jane Goodall Institute – Chimpanzee Eden (Chimp Eden)

Chimp Eden is the South African sanctuary of the Jane Goodall Institute, located about 15 kilometers outside of Mbombela (Nelspruit) in the Umhloti Nature Reserve. It was established in 2006 and remains South Africa’s only dedicated chimpanzee rescue and rehabilitation center. It provides lifelong care to chimpanzees rescued from abuse, neglect, illegal trade, and captivity.

Purpose and Mission

The sanctuary’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide a permanent home for chimpanzees that can no longer survive in the wild. Many of the chimps living here were taken from their mothers at a young age and subjected to the pet trade, used in circuses or zoos under poor conditions, or orphaned by illegal hunting activities.

Chimp Eden also has a strong educational and advocacy focus, working to raise awareness about the threats chimpanzees face in the wild, including deforestation, poaching, and the illegal wildlife trade.

Sanctuary Layout and Habitats

The sanctuary houses several separate chimpanzee groups.

Each group lives in a large, semi-wild enclosure that mimics a natural forest habitat.

The enclosures are surrounded by electric fencing but offer climbing structures, forested areas, and open zones to encourage natural behavior.

Viewing decks are placed at key points so that visitors can observe the chimpanzees safely without disturbing them.

Visiting Chimp Eden

Guided tours are conducted three times daily at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. These tours include:

An educational presentation about chimpanzees and their rescue stories.

A visit to the viewing decks to see the chimpanzees interact, forage, climb, and play.

Information on chimpanzee behavior, intelligence, and social structure.

The sanctuary is suitable for visitors of all ages, though children must be supervised during the visit.

Volunteer and Adoption Opportunities

Chimp Eden offers volunteer programs for individuals who wish to contribute directly to the care and enrichment of the chimpanzees. Volunteers can assist with:

Preparing food and enrichment tools

Cleaning enclosures and observation areas

Learning and supporting rehabilitation practices

There is also a symbolic adoption program, which allows supporters to adopt a specific chimpanzee and help fund their food, medical care, and habitat maintenance. Adopters receive updates and photos of their chosen chimpanzee.

Additional Information

There is a small visitor center with educational displays.

A gift shop sells ethical souvenirs, and proceeds support the sanctuary.

Bookings are recommended in advance, especially during weekends and holidays.

Chimp Eden plays a critical role in chimpanzee conservation in Africa, offering a second chance to primates that have suffered severe trauma, and educating the public on how they can help protect one of our closest living relatives.