Near Nelspruit in South Africa, Eugene Cussons created a paradise for rescued chimpanzees. He advocates for their tragic plight alongside Dr. Jane Goodall, who tirelessly travels the world to raise awareness.

I met Eugene in October 2006 while I was writing my first book. His sanctuary was about to open to the public, and I had the privilege of closely following their rehabilitation work. This experience was a real turning point for me, and a few months later, I joined the Jane Goodall Institute France.

The story of the chimpanzee Cozy particularly touched me. Born in the United States, Cozy lived with a performer who led a nomadic life in Italy, traveling in caravans. After the performer’s death, Cozy stayed with his partner, who barely earned enough to survive. Cozy ended up “stored” in a dark 1.5m x 1.5m cage, too small for him to stand up. He spent ten years in these dire conditions until the Jane Goodall Institute was informed of his situation, prompting an immediate rescue mission.

When I first visited Chimp Eden, Cozy was just beginning to experience life after years of hell. Rescued in a severe state, his muscles had atrophied, and he couldn’t bear daylight. Although he was still an adolescent, he looked like an old man. During my visit, Cozy was taking his first steps out of quarantine, enjoying the sun, sky, grass, and the joys of life. He was sunburned, and his body had to adjust to his new life and the African continent he had never known.

In the early days at the sanctuary, Cozy developed a close bond with Eugene, who had tirelessly cared for him during the rescue, staying by his side 24/7 throughout the transfer from Italy to South Africa. Six months later, during my second visit, Cozy had changed significantly. Intensive rehabilitation and the sanctuary’s attentive care had transformed him into a strong chimpanzee! With a weathered face and thick fur, he asserted himself as an alpha male and built family relationships with the young ones. Rejecting human contact, he claimed his independence. Now, peace has returned, and Cozy is the favorite at the sanctuary!

Read the chapter from my book “African Encounters,” dedicated to Chimp Eden and these unforgettable encounters. (Use the keyboard arrows or the sides of the screen to turn the pages)