CHIMPANZEE COMMUNITY 2
Drawing for the Planet's Chimpanzee Community 2 project, in partnership with Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue and Protection (LCRP) and Born Free, raises awareness of endangered chimpanzees, and raises funds for LCRP’s vital work caring for over a hundred critically endangered Western chimpanzees, orphaned by the illegal bushmeat and pet trades.
Led by Jane Lee McCracken, artist and founder of Drawing for the Planet (DftP), over 150 children from the USA, the UK and Liberia are invited to learn about chimpanzees, why they are threatened and their vital role—as gardeners of the forest— to the wellbeing of our planet, and to create ballpoint pen drawings of LCRP's orphan chimps.
The project aims to raise awareness of chimpanzees through the children's drawings, and to create a generation of chimp champions!
"Chimpanzees are humankind’s closest relatives, sharing over 98% of our genetic blueprint, and are highly social and deeply intelligent. A keystone species, these sentient mammals help sustain their forest habitat and thus mitigate climate change as these ‘green lungs’ store carbon and generate oxygen." Born Free
Deforestation and the illegal wildlife trade are decimating Western chimpanzee populations' with as few as 18,000-65,000 wild individuals remaining. Their decline affects us all.
THE PROJECT
OVERVIEW
Launched in 2022, Chimpanzee Community 2 includes Amazing Chimps virtual and on-site interactive environmental education workshops, co-delivered by Laura Eastwood, Born Free's Head of Education, and Jenny Desmond, co-founder of LCRP, and drawing workshops delivered by Jane. As part of the project Jane is creating a composite artwork for each participating school featuring all children's drawings as well as a printed mural for public display in Liberia.
AMAZING CHIMPS EDUCATION WORKSHOP
In the Amazing Chimps education workshops Laura focuses on chimpanzee facts, their rainforest habitat, why non-human animals are important to rainforests, the impact of deforestation and the illegal bushmeat and pet trades on chimpanzees, and how we can help protect chimpanzees and other wildlife.
Children are given the opportunity to watch Jenny's video featuring Mary Beauty, one of the orphan chimpanzees in LCRP's care. In the video Jenny discusses the often tragic circumstances that lead to chimps being rescued by LCRP and the twenty-four hour care they receive on their arrival at the sanctuary. Mary Beauty's mother was killed by poachers for the illegal bushmeat trade when Mary Beauty was a couple of weeks old.
While most of LCRP's chimpanzees cannot be safely returned to the wild due to the threat of poaching, LCRP's forest sanctuary provides them with a beautiful natural habitat in which to play and explore.
"All of LCRP’s chimpanzee family members are orphans whose mothers and other family members were killed to be eaten; the young chimps were kept alive to be sold into the local and international pet trades.
LCRP works hand in hand with Liberia's Forestry Development Authority and other partners to combat illegal trade in chimpanzees and other protected wildlife. As part of Liberia's Law Enforcement Task Force, LCRP collaborates in enforcing existing laws, strengthening legislation, building capacity, and the development of innovative strategies and new initiatives." LCRP
During the workshops children can also ask Jenny questions about chimpanzees. Thomas from Belsay Primary asked if chimpanzees wash their hair—answer: chimpanzees don't wash! Scroll down to The Amazing Chimps section to learn more about LCRP's chimps.
DRAWING WORKSHOP
In Jane's ballpoint pen drawing workshops young artists choose one of Jenny's photographs of LCRP orphan chimps as inspiration for their drawings.
Jane asks the artists to draw the chimpanzee only and not include any background, trees or branches present in the photograph. This approach emphasises the beautiful form and faces of the chimpanzees in the drawings. It also symbolises the habitat loss that is one of the greatest threats to chimpanzees.
Jane encourages the artists to imagine what the chimpanzees in the photographs have seen with their eyes and to form emotional connections with the chimps while making their drawings—if we want to save wildlife, it is vital to make emotional connections with animal species; if we care, we want to conserve.
She also encourages the children to express themselves, enjoy transporting their minds through drawing, celebrate their own unique drawing style, and embrace the fact that everyone can draw!
ARTWORK
In 2022-23, children from El Morro and Top of the the World elementary schools, USA, and Belsay and Ponteland primary schools, UK, participated in Amazing Chimps workshops and created extraordinary drawings. Scroll down to view these artworks in The Artworks gallery below.
Children from Liberia will participate in the workshops in 2024. Following the Liberia workshops Jane will create a composite artwork featuring a selection of the children's drawings for public display in Liberia to raise further awareness of LCRP's vital work locally.
Jane is also creating a ballpoint pen drawing of LCRP chimps to highlight the importance of chimpanzees as a keystone species and the many Liberian species that depend on in their critical role maintaining rainforests (details of drawing in progress below).
This online gallery is evolving as the project develops and at completion will include Jane's Liberian mural and chimpanzee drawings by every participating child.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
In 2020 Jane was commissioned by the BALTIC, Gateshead to create an artwork in BALTIC Learning Lounge, inspired by BALTIC’s Animalesque exhibition. Jane delivered workshops to children from Gateshead schools, who were given the opportunity to raise awareness of endangered chimpanzees through their drawings.
WATCH THE VIDEO
The Chimpanzee Community mural was created in response to Marcus Coates's Degreecoordinates, Shared Traits of the Hominini (Humans, Bonobos and Chimpanzees) and Mary Beth Edelson's Untitled (1972-2011) which were collage-drawings featured in Animalesque.
Chimpanzee Community was also inspired by LCRP and its orphan chimpanzees.
Chimpanzee Community (2020) Jane Lee McCracken, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art
The aim of the artwork was twofold: first, to highlight the fact that chimpanzees and bonobos are our closest living relatives, sharing 99% of our DNA and that all hominini species share similar behaviour traits; and secondly, to raise awareness of the plight of chimpanzees and the work of LCRP.
Following the installation of the Chimpanzee Community in BALTIC, Jane founded DftP and partnered with Born Free and LCRP to create Chimpanzee Community 2. Read more about the BALTIC project in drawingfortheplanet.org/chimpanzee-community page.
LIBERIAN WILDLIFE
In 2023, DftP also developed the Liberian Wildlife workshop. This workshop focuses vulnerable Liberian forest-dwelling species that rely on chimpanzees as a keystone species. Jane delivered the first workshop to Rhyhope Junior School, UK. CLICK on the image above to learn about Liberian species and view the drawings.
DftP Liberian Wildlife flyers featuring images of Liberian species including chimpanzees will be given to Liberian schools to use for drawing projects and raise further awareness of the rich and diverse wildlife of Liberia. See our Zambian Wildlife project flyers here.
THE ARTWORKS
Laguna Beach Chimps (2024), Jane Lee McCracken, featuring drawings by children from El Morro and Top of the World Elementary schools
Thirty Grade 3 children from El Morro and Top of the World elementary schools, Laguna Beach, USA, participated in Amazing Chimps workshops. The DftP team worked with Laguna Beach Unified School District and its K-5 Visual and Performing Arts Teacher on Special Assignment (ToSA), Sarah Wolsey.
Belsay Chimps (2024), Jane Lee McCracken featuring drawings by Belsay Primary School children
Forty-three Years 3-6 children from Mr Harvey and Miss Cruz's classes, Belsay School, UK, participated in Amazing Chimps workshops. The DftP team worked with Ponteland Primary Head Teacher, Claire Johnson.
THE AMAZING CHIMPS
Meet some of LCRP's amazing chimps, with photographs and descriptions by Jenny Desmond and drawings by our Chimpanzee Community 2 chimp champion children! To adopt an LCRP chimp, click on the links provided or donate to LCRP here: liberiachimpanzeerescue.org/donate
HORI
Hori lost his eye when his mother was shot, and pellets hit him too. He is a very brave boy and one of the most loving chimpanzees to new babies coming in to LCRP.
Drawing by Hale, Top of the World Elementary School
MARY BEAUTY
It’s always fun to play with your feet! Mary Beauty certainly enjoys it.
Drawing by Shaylee, El Morro Elementary School
LOVE
Love arrived at LCRP in 2023 and was very sick but is doing much better.
Drawing by Emily, Belsay Primary School
JOSEPH (PRIME MINISTER)
Yep—a good laugh! Joseph A.K.A Prime Minister loves cuddles.
Drawing by Anna, Ponteland Primary School
Prime Minister is a nickname that stuck. Originally named JOSEPH, this lovely boy arrived to LCRP in May 2019. He was small, sad and weak. His demeanor was very closed and he was extremely fearful of everything. His fear was so intense that even the slightest sound caused tremors – at first we thought perhaps he had a fever but we quickly determined his shaking was based simply on the extreme trauma he’d experienced prior to meeting him. Prime Minister is still recovering and his personality is emerging as both very assertive yet at the same time shy and needy.
While he is still quite timid, Prime Minister's tremors have completely gone. He is now showing a quiet strength and learning how to get what he needs from his caregivers and the other chimps. His nickname, Prime Minister, came as he opened up and showed that in his own way he reigns supreme, getting what he wants and making his desires clear. Prime Minister is now gaining weight and developing wonderfully; climbing high in the trees and his playful side showing up much more readily.
He loves mealtimes and is certain to get his share. He also loves to cuddle at bedtime and has secured a prime sleeping spot in the mix of orphans who sleep together at night with LCRP’s founders. Prime Minister is an expert groomer and nest builder, telling us he was likely with his family quite long before he was taken by humans. LCRP’s ‘Prime Minister’ is adored by everyone on the team even though he is highly selective about returning their affection. ADOPT Prime Minister here: liberiachimpanzeerescue.org/prime-minister
GLORIA
“I am still recovering from my sad times.” Gloria: an independent explorer
Drawing by Ralph, Belsay Primary School, UK
Gloria was confiscated in the far north of the country and ultimately had to be flown to LCRP due to roads that were unpassable. Her first few days were full of strange people, places and travel. Luckily the Great Ape Survival Partnership and UN Mission in Liberia collaborated with us to get her here, minimizing the added trauma of transport after her mother's death and living in horrible conditions for months.
Gloria arrived very thin and scared and needed a lot of one on one attention in a safe and loving environment. Arriving shortly after younger orphan Gola, Gloria had an instant friend with whom to spend her quarantine, offering them both a chance to get 24/7 surrogate mothering AND be with other chimps. While she gets along with everyone and loves to play, she is also very independent, spending a lot of her time exploring on her own. Gloria is introspective and seems to absorb all things around her in wonder. Gloria's gorgeous face, lovely disposition and sweet little gallop endear her to all she meets. ADOPT Gloria here: liberiachimpanzeerescue.org/gloria
BUI
“I am super excited to play with this mountain of cerelac!". Bui: boisterous and sweet
Drawing by Shamsher, Top of the World Elementary School
Bui was brought to LCRP by a Peace Corp volunteer with the surname Bui. While we are very grateful Bui ended up in our care we also found out that his rescuer had paid for him, which while understandable, sadly leads to more killings of chimpanzees and the sale of more orphans as it feeds the trade and creates demand. We used the opportunity to ensure that other volunteers are requested at the start of their placements to report wildlife for sale or killed but to refrain from giving money to sellers.
Bui arrived quite sick and extremely skinny. He had likely been held for some time by his captors after they’d killed his mother. He had shrapnel lodged in his body in multiple locations and was severely dehydrated. Shy by nature and of course traumatized, Bui took quite a while to emerge into the sweet, fun, playful and loving chimp he is today. Bui has grown into a boisterous little boy and has already made his way into the oldest group of chimpanzees at LCRP! His integration was slow and steady – we never push the chimps to transition until they choose to do so. Eventually Bui decided he enjoyed the antics of the older boys and girls and the playtime in the group and decided to stay for good.
Ultimately, when LCRP relocates to the forest at our permanent home, Bui will go with his group into the trees everyday and get to climb high and free. We are anxiously awaiting watching this once small and weak little boy in his natural environment once again. ADOPT Bui here: liberiachimpanzeerescue.org/bui
ELLA
Ella is enjoying eating a piece of melon that’s almost as big as she is—just look at that smile! Ella: thriving after a tough rescue
Drawing by Ivy, El Morro Elementary School
Ella was being sold in multiple locations - we were getting reports from various people around the city but kept losing her when attempting her rescue. Finally we were able to arrange somewhat of a “sting” operation and organize our team, the wildlife authorities and the police and capture one of the criminals. We successfully took Ella out of his hands and into ours.
On arrival, Ella’s physical and mental condition was better than some chimps we’ve rescued but she had clearly suffered trauma and neglect. Like many of our chimps, she has scars from bullet shrapnel most likely resulting from the shots fired to kill her mother. At first Ella was a bit confused and unnaturally going from stranger to stranger, unsure of whom she should go for food or care. There happened to be a lot of confusion upon her arrival at LCRP so it took her awhile to settle in. However, she firmly bonded with her caregivers, which is always a very good sign of trust and security.
Ella was still at an age where she would be with her chimpanzee mother at all times so we simulate that here – she was never without a caregiver – and fitted in perfectly with our toddler group as she grew and got to know her future older ‘siblings’.
Today Ella is still a joy and a half. Spending her days and nights now with our middle group, and close friends Poppy and Chance along with her caregivers, she is thriving. She has an amazing laugh and is a very curious and fun little girl. Ella has a very distinct food grunt making it very clear she loves her meals! ADOPT Ella here: liberiachimpanzeerescue.org/ella
KIERON
Kieron wants to hold my hand.
Drawing by Lucy, Belsay Primary School
MAX
“Relaxing in the afternoon.” Max: leadership and laughs.
Max arrived to LCRP at a very young age, estimated at only about four months old. Unlike many of the chimps who come to the rescue center, Max had spent very little time with humans between the time his family was killed and making it to the safety of proper caregivers. While he had a very traumatic start at a very young age, has done quite well with intensive 24/7 surrogate mothering. At LCRP we attempt to replicate what these infants would be getting get their real moms.
Max has grown into an extremely happy and smiley chimp who loves to play and laugh. Max is a leader among the younger and older chimpanzees in the different nursery groups. He is a ham and loves getting attention, especially laughs at his antics. While there is no way to replace Max's mom or his life in the wild, we hope he has found safety, comfort and happiness here at LCRP! ADOPT Max here: liberiachimpanzeerescue.org/max
POPPY
“I’m taking a big jump.” Poppy: mischievous and smiley
Drawing by Harry, Belsay School
Poppy, nicknamed Picky P, is one of the most vibrant, smiley chimps at Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue & Protection. Poppy came in with a smile and it never wavered, a miracle considering she was a very young infant who’d lost her mother and was confiscated at a checkpoint while her captors were trying to smuggle her through to the city for sale. Poppy has a lot of energy, loves to climb and especially enjoys jumping from high spots to land on her chimpanzee ‘siblings’ or her caregivers. Poppy is smart, funny, and friendly, getting along with all of the chimpanzees. She spends her days and nights with the middle group at LCRP, her closest pals are Ella and Chance.
We know that any chimpanzee infant we meet means Mom and likely other family members were killed so sadly Poppy not only represents another orphan in LCRP’s care but also the death of many others. We were so lucky that she was discovered by rangers and that they decided to confiscate her and contact us immediately.
Poppy arrived small and thin but with the positive outlook she maintains today. She is confident and sweet but also mischievous. Her growth has been wonderful to watch and she is getting to be quite tall as she blossoms.
Poppy is still at an age where she would be with her chimpanzee mother at all times so we simulate that here – she is never without a caregiver – and her chimpanzee family at LCRP, and gets to know her future older ‘siblings’. We greatly look forward to getting her to the forest! ADOPT Poppy here: liberiachimpanzeerescue.org/poppy
GAIA
“I am learning how to swing.” Gaia: a vivacious rascal
Drawing by Penny, Top of the World Elementary School
Gaia was the youngest chimpanzee infant ever to come to Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue & Protection. She was so young that she didn't have any teeth and was still unable to grasp or control any of her movements. She is also the youngest infant for whom we’ve ever cared. We were terrified that Gaia wouldn’t survive those first weeks, months and to this day everyone at LCRP is protective of this little, now big, girl. Gaia is named after LCRP founder Jenny Desmond’s mom who passed away on the same date (a few years earlier) that Gaia arrived. She changed the feeling of that date forever. It's now a day to celebrate rather than only to mourn. Gaia is absolutely stunning with her dark features and beautiful eyes.
Starting out as such a tiny little person has not stopped Gaia from growing into a strong, vivacious, rascal. While she took much, much longer to achieve milestones than the other chimps, once she did, she was suddenly climbing everywhere - confident and curious. She is also extremely active girl and hard to keep up with all day. Gaia was turned in to a colleague in a remote part of Liberia – we were very relieved when she finally arrived in our hands. She has been a joy ever since. She is a handful but fiercely loved by all.
Gaia spends her days climbing, resting, eating, playing and being cuddled. When she arrived she was still at an age where she would have been with her chimpanzee mother at all times so was with a caregiver day and night along with her chimpanzee brothers and sisters. We look forward to watching her continue to grow and thrive. ADOPT Gaia here: liberiachimpanzeerescue.org/gaia
PAJOE
“I am still very sad and hungry, so I am staying very close to the food they keep sharing with me.” PaJoe: endearing and playful
Drawing by Elena, Ponteland Primary School
PaJoe arrived at LCRP after being confiscated in a place called ITI. Police found him being sold by a woman known for killing and selling chimp meat and their surviving orphans. PaJoe had a dislocated shoulder and badly broken arm. He was severely depressed, and didn’t really want to accept food, touch, love or interaction for several days. While he chose to keep his distance he was still given 24/7 care and after some time eventually gave in to the attention. Once he decided to trust and accept, PaJoe wanted no end to it. Luckily LCRP’s founder and caregiving team are always up for the task and were more than happy to provide.
PaJoe’s arm has healed almost perfectly. He has thrived in the loving environment with caregivers, excellent nutrition, enrichment, and most of all other chimpanzees with whom to share his days. He is an avid climber, loves to play, and has a very silly and endearing nature everyone adores. He has a tendency to bite (very hard) when he is excited so with PaJoe – love bites must be taken with a grain of salt. PaJoe is a real character! ADOPT PaJoe here: liberiachimpanzeerescue.org/pajoe
LEIGH LEIGH
“Aren’t I super brave right now?"
Drawing by Abby, El Morro Elementary School
RAY RAY
Ray Ray is enjoying his breakfast while thinking about what the day will bring.
Drawing by Clark, Top of the World Elementary School
BARBIE
"I am feeling a bit silly and also a bit nervous about going higher in the tree."
Drawing by Sophia, Top of the World Elementary School
MILO
“I hate rainy days.”
Drawing by Penelope, El Morro Elementary School
PATRICIA
“I am sad and needing comfort.”
Drawing by Hudson, Top of the World Elementary School
HILLY
“I am feeling very silly.”
Drawing by Primrose, Belsay Primary School
BECKLEY
“I am still new and still sad, but it seems like these humans are nice and give me sweet pineapple.”
Drawing by Jacob, Jameson Manor, Ponteland
TRACEY
“I am very, very sad after seeing my family killed, being kept in a box, and being sold from human to human.”
Drawing by Alfie, Jameson Manor, Ponteland
LUCY AND GOLA
As Lucy is older, she likes to look after the little ones like Gola. Lucy: loves food and to be tickled; Gola: a loving and silly girl
Drawing by Ewan, Belsay Primary School
LUCY
Lucy was brought directly to LCRP by her “owner” – a woman from Grand Geddeh county region in Northern Liberia in January 2016. Lucy was estimated to be 4-5 months old. That area is well known for illegal hunting. According to the woman surrendering Lucy, she was being held at the age of only 1-2 weeks by a man in the village. He gave her the baby, who she decided to keep until she realized she could no longer care for her properly. It is believed the woman was actually attempting to sell the baby but changed her story when she found out this was illegal and she could be prosecuted.
With permission from FDA, LCRP made the confiscation onsite. FDA did not wish to prosecute. Lucy is now being cared for (under the supervision of Liberia Forest Development Authority) by LCRP, located at LIBR facilities in Charlesville, Liberia. She arrived extremely underweight and depressed. Lucy suffered from severe anxiety upon being separated from her human surrogate mother but after only a few days of round the clock care and greatly improved nutrition, she slowly recovered and bonded with her new caregivers. Lucy is now a very active and agile chimp and a true survivor.
Lucy is still very particular about who she trusts but she has thrived in the safe and secure love and care of caregivers. She has a great smile and laugh and adores being tickled and swung about. She loves her food and makes very happy food grunts whenever meals are served. Lucy has a lovely face and a sweet expression with big brown eyes that stare with intensity. ADOPT Lucy here: liberiachimpanzeerescue.org/lucy
GOLA
Gola arrived at a mere two months of age! With no teeth and weighing only a few pounds, she was a teeny tiny little girl. Gola was literally taken from one hand of her mother's killer while he held the cut up body parts of her mother in his other. Sadly, with only one ranger on duty, he rushed to grab Gola and the hunter ran off with Gola's mother to be sold on the black market. Gola needed intense one on one attention and stayed with LCRP's founders for a long time before she was even close to transitioning to a second surrogate Mom. It was a very stressful time for everyone, unsure of how she would do at such a young age. However, it soon became obvious that Gola is a survivor and that she wanted to not only survive but THRIVE!
Gola is adorable, loving, active, funny, and silly. She has grown into a strong and stocky little toddler and is loved by all the chimps and caregivers. At chimp school, Gola spends almost her days playing, climbing and frolicking with her chimp mates. Happily, Gola made it through great trauma and an uncertain future and now has a safe, secure and loving environment in which to continue growing. Gola's beautiful face and intense eyes make her riveting to look at and her great personality is lovely to watch. ADOPT Gola here: liberiachimpanzeerescue.org/gola
JACK
Smiling eyes. Jack: cuddly and playful
Drawing by Thomas, Belsay Primary School
Jack was brought to LCRP hidden in a backpack, covered in ants and almost hairless. In our care, Jack's sad eyes became bright and his weight and hair completely recovered. The terrible skin infection he had from living in the bag with ant infestation was treated and cured but he still tends to have sensitive skin and possibly always will due to his early childhood neglect!
Jack loves to play and is very demanding of his caregivers, after having such a lack of love and nurturing prior to coming to LCRP. His best friends Gola, Rudy and Gloria are understanding of his sometimes aggressive behaviors but he is learning that they won’t play when he isn't 'polite' and he has evolved immensely. Jack is an incredible climber and swinger and adores roughhousing with his caregivers. He also loves to be cuddled.
Jack is much smaller than a healthy chimp would be at his age but will catch up slowly with proper care and nutrition. Jack is now part of the older nursery group and sleeps next to his chimpanzee friends with lots of warm blankets and food stored for late night snacks. Jack's gleeful expression and constant activity keep everyone busy and smiling! ADOPT Jack here: liberiachimpanzeerescue.org/jack
CONNIE
"Look at me dipping my toe in the paddling pool!"
Drawing by Hale, Top of the World Elementary School
REBECA
“Thinking about my next move.”
Drawing by Gia, El Morro Elementary School
CHOCKY
“I am looking for trouble when you aren’t expecting it.”
Drawing by Asher, El Morro Elementary School
RUDY
“I love my surrogate mommy, Princess.”
Drawing by Samuel, Ponteland Primary School
JOJO
“I am relaxing after lots of playtime.”
Drawing by Madison, Top of the World Elementary School
ZACC
Zacc is very silly sometimes, but he is ever so sweet!
Drawing: anonymous, UK
TOM
“I am about to jump into your arms.”
Drawing: anonymous, UK
JOHNNY
Johnny is thinking about life. Johnny: a kind and gentle person
Drawing by Aaron, Ponteland Primary
Johnny was reported in someone’s backyard and LCRP along with Liberian wildlife authorities set out to investigate. When we arrived we were shocked to find a full grown adult man chained to a tree and screaming desperately.
Upon further research we were told that Johnny’s family had been killed many years prior and he had been purchased as a pet. However when he became more rambunctious at about age three he ‘required’ confinement, meaning he’d been chained for 10 years with only a small cage for shelter, outcast from the family who once ‘loved’ him. Johnny was given alcohol almost daily to keep him quiet, a stick was used to keep him under control. Devastating.
While one would think Johnny would never grow to trust again, he has proven to be a remarkable person – loving, kind, gentle and quick to laugh. He is adored by everyone at LCRP including the little ones who interact with him every day through the enclosure. His body condition was very poor upon arrival, the size of a 6-7 year old although his age is estimated at 13. However, he has gained great strength and loves to play and be groomed and simply spend time with caregivers who provide him with 24/7 TLC. We are so inspired by Johnny. ADOPT Johnny here: liberiachimpanzeerescue.org/johnny
CHANCE
"I am so relieved to be here – I was in a dirty box and couldn’t use my legs because I was kept tied up for so long – now I am safe and learning to have fun." Chance: an inspiration and a joy
Drawing by Rafe, Belsay Primary School
Chance is a true miracle. Her story is an example of how one’s spirit can overcome great tragedy, trauma and abuse to soar and embrace life and love. LCRP received a report from an anonymous source that someone was keeping and attempting to sell a young chimpanzee in a nearby town. LCRP and wildlife authorities organized a team to investigate. After searching long and hard and a lot of worry we wouldn’t find her, someone on our team spotted Chance hidden in the back corner of a shop in a cardboard box.
Seeing Chance for the first time was shocking. She was in terrible condition and exhibiting stereotypical rocking behavior caused by stress and trauma. Her head was extremely swollen, filled with fluid. She was greatly underweight and her legs were atrophied due to her confinement in the box with no chance for movement or exercise. The humans keeping her said she was too young to walk or eat solid foods and were feeding her cornmeal. Well, Chance had a different story to tell.
When we got her to LCRP’s sanctuary we could see that she was certainly old enough to walk, move, climb and eat all kinds of food. She’d simply been deprived of all of these opportunities by her human captors. Chance was examined by a pediatric neurologist who felt the fluid in her head was due to blunt force trauma rather than a congenital cause. While her condition was still terrible and sad, we were relieved that there was a ‘chance’ she’d recover and thrive. And so she did. Over days and weeks, Chance’s swelling went down, her eating went up and she began to move about more and more with each passing day.
Her indomitable spirit was apparent immediately. This little girl wanted to live and she was committed to getting better and surviving! Today Chance is physically ‘perfect’ with no signs of her injury except a hidden indentation in her skull. She is full of life and joy and love. Her eyes shine bright. She is playful and active and has a very contagious laugh! She is our miracle! ADOPT Chance here: liberiachimpanzeerescue.org/chance
THE CHIMP CHAMPIONS
Meet more of our young artists! We are so proud of each and everyone of our artists who worked extremely hard to create extraordinary drawings of the LCRP chimps they championed. We couldn't wish for more dedicated CHIMP CHAMPIONS!
USA
UK
AMAZING CHIMPS LEGACY
Amazing Chimps educational resource will be available as a free download from the Born Free website. A link will also be available here and via LCRP's website.
ABOUT LIBERIA CHIMPANZEE RESCUE AND PROTECTION
Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue and Protection (LCRP) is the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary and conservation center in Liberia rescuing chimpanzees who are victims of the illegal bushmeat and pet trades. Almost 100 orphaned chimpanzees, most still babies or children, are currently under the care of LCRP. Each month, more captive chimpanzees are confiscated, allowing for the enforcement of Liberia's wildlife laws. Without the ability to confiscate wildlife, authorities cannot protect and preserve chimpanzees.
LCRP’s Sanctuary and Conservation Center is dedicated to improving the lives of chimpanzees, both wild and orphaned, through rescue, rehabilitation, protection and conservation.
Through the work of LCRP, orphaned chimpanzees are confiscated, rescued and rehabilitated. Our collaborative partnerships are propelling Liberia’s chimpanzee protection, education, and conservation initiatives forward. Visit LCRP here:
ABOUT BORN FREE
"We work tirelessly to ensure that all wild animals, whether living in captivity or in the wild, are treated with compassion and respect and are able to live their lives according to their needs. As a leading wildlife charity, we oppose the exploitation of wild animals in captivity and campaign to keep them where they belong – in the wild. We promote Compassionate Conservation to enhance the survival of threatened species in the wild and protect natural habitats while respecting the needs and safeguarding the welfare of individual animals. We seek to have a positive impact on animals in the wild and protect their ecosystems in perpetuity, for their own intrinsic value and for the critical roles they play within the natural world.":
ABOUT DRAWING FOR THE PLANET
We are a global art and environmental education charity with drawing, one of the oldest forms of communication, at its core. Founded by artist Jane Lee McCracken, to share her passions for drawing and wildlife, we partner with international wildlife charity Born Free, conservationists, artists, educators and cultural institutions. Through our art, education, exhibition and conservation fundraising projects we give children, communities and wildlife a voice. Watch our video and visit us at: www.drawingfortheplanet.org
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Support our global projects, help protect wildlife and give the gift of art and wildlife by donating or becoming a member here:
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ABOUT JANE LEE MCCRACKEN
Shh it's a Tiger! 2013 Biro drawing © Jane Lee McCracken
Jane Lee McCracken constructs intricate, multi-layered Biro drawings, sculptures, installations as well as product designs. Her work represents the beauty of life and its brutal realities, exploring the loss to both humans and animals caused by human destructiveness. She is the founder and CEO of Drawing for the Planet global art, environmental education and conservation charity.
Over the last decade, she has raised funds for conservation organisations through her art and delivered drawing and environmental education workshops to thousands of people across the world. In 2019 she founded the Where Did All the Animals Go? project in partnership with Born Free and in 2021 Drawing for the Planet. Explore Jane's art:
Drawing for the Planet would like to thank LCRP, Born Free, and all participating children, staff and communities.