Instagram – July 14th, 2018

Today is the first ever World Chimpanzee Day! The 14th July was chosen in order to mark the first day that Jane Goodall set foot in what is now Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania to study wild chimpanzee.

The day is a celebration of our closest living relatives (#didyouknow that we share nearly 98.6% of our genes with chimps?) and all that we know and continue to learn about the compassionate creatures. It’s also a day to raise awareness of the plight they face in the wild. Whilst the lucky ones are protected by national parks, the unlucky ones are subjected to cruel treatment mostly at the hands of humans with habitat loss, poaching, the illegal pet and bushmeat trades and medical research continuing to endanger their existence.

Dr Jane Goodall opened our eyes to the wonder of these extraordinary animals and our responsibility to protect them. Today, and all days, we carry the torch and spread her message far and wide. 📷 by @cacao_kate