The Chimpanzee is a clever, tool-using primate and one of our closest genetic cousins. They are currently considered an endangered species due to habitat loss and fragmentation. In partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, Envirokidz has helped develop educational resources for local communities to promote environmental stewardship. Read on to learn more about the chimpanzee and what the Jane Goodall Institute is doing to ensure future generations can continue to marvel at these amazing animals for years to come

Did you know?

• Chimpanzees communicate much like humans do -- by kissing, embracing, patting on the back, touching hands, tickling.
• Chimpanzees laugh when they play.
• Chimpanzees are one of the few species known to make and use tools.
• Chimpanzees can learn human languages such as ASL (American Sign Language). One chimp named Washoe knows more than 240 signs.
• Humans and chimpanzees share 95 to 98 percent of the same DNA. Biologically, chimpanzees are more closely related to humans than they are to gorillas.

The Jane Goodall Institute

Founded by renowned primatologist and humanitarian Dr. Jane Goodall to continue her research with wild chimpanzees at Gombe National Park in Tanzania, today the Jane Goodall Institute is a global nonprofit that works to protect chimpanzees in Tanzania, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Republic of Congo. In the Republic of Congo, the Institute runs the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center, home to chimps who have been rescued from the commercial pet or bushmeat trades. They are cared for by dedicated local staff, many of whom have worked there for decades and have known the chimpanzees from the time they were infants. Much of the Institute’s work focuses on improving the lives of people living near chimpanzee habitat by combining conservation with education. The Jane Goodall Institute works with communities to identify their needs, and provides everything from education to micro-credit loans for women to start small business. Youth leadership and education is a central pillar of JGI’s mission, which is how Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots was born. Roots & Shoots engages young people in projects that benefit people, animals and the environment. Now in more than 130 countries, Roots & Shoots empowers young people to be the next generation of conservation leaders.

Our Support

As one of our newest EnviroKidz partners, we are thrilled to support the Jane Goodall Institute. EnviroKidz funding has supported the creation of educational resources for local communities in Africa, including the filming of Super Kodo, the story of a young boy who uses his special powers to protect the rainforest. This child superhero is the Jane Goodall Institute’s kid-friendly jungle guardian, and his television show has become the top-rated children’s show in the Congo. Super Kodo is a useful educational tool in schools in the Republic of Congo, a way to teach children the importance of environmental stewardship.

How can you save the chimpanzees?

• Sign one of the petitions on the JGI website.
• Support Roots & Shoots, JGI’s youth organization by donating or becoming a community collaborator.
• Become a chimpanzee guardian and support orphaned chimps at Tchimpounga.
• Enjoy EnviroKidz Choco Chimps cereals knowing that 1% of sales goes to support these great programs.

Every time you buy one of Nature’s Path’s EnviroKidz products, 1% of the sales are donated to support endangered species, habitat conservation, and environmental education for kids worldwide. To date, we have raised over $3 million to help our partnering organizations with their educational and protection efforts!