Many of us have seen chimpanzees at zoos or animal sanctuaries, but not all of them were born into captivity. Some are rescued from the wild, and others are raised by humans after being abandoned or rejected by their mothers.
Limbani is one such chimp who was rejected by his mother shortly after birth. Born with pneumonia, his mother likely abandoned him to protect her own survival, as a sickly infant would have been a significant burden in the wild. Though nature can be harsh, it's a survival instinct that ensures the strongest thrive.
Fortunately, Limbani was rescued by a zoo, where it quickly became evident that he required round-the-clock care to survive. That's when Tania and Jorge Sanchez, who had been involved in his care at the zoo, stepped in to foster the baby chimp. They dedicated themselves to caring for him as he recovered.
After a successful recovery and several years spent with the Sanchez family, Limbani was relocated to the Zoological Wildlife Foundation, where he has stayed for nearly seven years. But recently, the bond between Limbani and his foster parents was rekindled in a heartwarming reunion.
When Tania and Jorge arrived, Limbani's reaction was as if they had been apart for years, even though they'd visited him often. The chimp excitedly ran toward them, jumping into Jorge’s arms for a series of hugs and kisses. The trio even enjoyed a treat together, reinforcing their strong connection.
Their reunions, often captured on video, never fail to showcase the deep bond they share. Though Limbani now lives at the foundation, these emotional moments remind everyone that love and care can create lasting relationships, even across species. Watch one of their first reunions below, with Limbani in a baby onesie, and experience the heartwarming joy they share.