British Primatologist, Dr. Jane Goodall is a pioneer in the study of chimpanzees. She has been working for the benefit and welfare of chimpanzees for more than 60 years now. From conducting rescue operations to providing rehabilitation facilities to the primates, the 89-year-old has covered it all. Nonetheless, in 2013, Goodall and her team received a hoard full of praise after they shared the story of a female alpha chimp, Wounda’s incredible rescue operation. Now, even a decade later, Wounda’s rehabilitation episode is appreciated by many. Nonetheless, the cheerer who took the front seat is none other than 11x World Surf League champion, Kelly Slater.

Before being rescued, Wounda was in rough shape, to the point where survival seemed impossible. However, she was saved by the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center and The Jane Goodall Institute in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After years of rehabilitation, Wounda regained her strength back and was released back into the wild on June 20, 2013. Now, what caught the spectators’ attention was not the story behind their rescue operation but the gratitude that the chimpanzee expressed toward her rescuers.

Recently, Kelly Slater shared a decade-old video through his social media handle and left his fandom to ponder over Jane Goodall’s act of kindness.

Kelly Slater shares a decade-old video of Jane Goodall’s 2013 Chimpanzee rehabilitation episode

The 51-year-old surfing legend recently took to his Instagram story to share a glimpse of Wounda’s release on Tchindzoulou Island in the Republic of the Congo. The reel stated, “Jane Goodall take the rehabilitated chimpanzee, back into the wild, and his reaction is unbelievable”.

In the video, seconds after her release, Wounda turns to Dr. Goodall and expresses her heartfelt gratitude by embracing her in an affectionate hug. With an emotional act of gratitude, the female alpha chimp bids goodbye to the volunteers and disappears into the thick jungles of Tchindzoulou.

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Goodall has undoubtedly had many notable experiences in her career, but the moment Wounda came back to hug her highlights her extraordinary connection with these animals. She indeed saved Wounda from the clutches of death and gave her a chance to live again.

What happened to Wounda and how Goodall discovered her?

Following her birth, Wounda’s mother got poached by the hunters and she became an orphan. More so, in their field research, the volunteers of Goodall’s Institute discovered Wounda during a bushmeat trade, and in a very grim condition. She was then taken to the rehabilitation center, where she was given a prim and proper medical treatment and was revived back to liveliness. 

Once she regained her strength back, Goodall and her team released her into the wild. But above all, it was Wounda’s act of showing gratitude that became a sight to behold. Though the video dates back to 2013, it still is hailed by many across the continents. Surfing icon, Kelly Slater is no exception. It indeed was one heartwarming episode, don’t you agree?

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