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Lifestyle & Human Interest

Heartwarming Video: Rescued Baby Chimpanzee Welcomed by Other Apes with Hugs

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Animal cruelty is not only uncalled for, it’s downright despicable. Thankfully, many abused animals are rescued every day all over the world.

One of those animals is a sweet little chimp named “Leo.” Though he’s been neglected and mistreated, the fur ball hasn’t lost his sense of joy.



And it’s all thanks to Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue & Protection. Together, Jenny and Jimmy Desmond have made it their mission to “improve the lives of chimpanzees, both wild and orphaned, in Liberia.”

Over the years, LCRP has rescued many chimpanzees and is currently “home to the second largest population of western chimpanzees,” according to their website.



While every chimp they rescue matters, there has never perhaps been one as adorable as little Leo who was being held captive illegally outside a Liberian national park.

“We first received a report he was at a bar, but he was no longer there when authorities investigated,” Jenny Desmond told The New York Post. “We thought we’d lost him.”

Thankfully, that wasn’t the case at all. The chimp was soon discovered and rescued. His new life at LCRP sanctuary was intimidating at first but would eventually become home.

Have you ever rescued an animal?

“Leo is an amazing survivor of trauma and an inspiration to us about how one can overcome such tragedy and begin a new life,” Jenny Desmond said, according to KSMP-TV.

“In his previous situation I’m sure he was sad and lonely,” she went on. “He had watched his mom and family killed, been kidnapped and then tied up with a rope so he couldn’t move freely.”

Now, however, Leo is free as can be. It took no time at all for the little guy to quickly become a part of the LCRP family.

A darling video of Leo being welcomed by his new brothers and sisters has gone viral. “He’s beyond excited and overwhelmed …” an LCRP Facebook post says.

“Everyone vying for his or her chance to get or give him m a hug! You can see that some of the chimps are even trying to help calm him.”

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“I’m crying watching it now!” she said, according to KSMP-TV. “It’s everything we hope for these little people — to find a new family and find new hope … to find acceptance so they can begin again.”

“That reception really sealed the deal for him and started him on a journey toward recovery,” Jenny Desmond told Good Morning America.

And a sweet reception it was, indeed. It is so heartwarming to see Leo recovering and protected among his own. To learn more about LCRP and all they do, visit their Facebook page.

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Sarah Carri is an avid reader and social media guru with a passion for truth and life. Her writing has previously been published in print and online by Focus on the Family and other well known media outlets. Her experience in ministry and Disney entertainment gives her a unique perspective on such topics.
Sarah Carri is an avid reader and social media guru with a passion for truth and life. Her writing has previously been published in print and online by Focus on the Family and other well known media outlets. Her experience in ministry and Disney entertainment gives her a unique perspective on such topics.

Sarah's experience as a successful working stay-at-home mom and business owner has given her the chance to write and research often. She stays up to date on the latest in entertainment and offers her views on celebrity stories based on her wide knowledge of the industry. Her success as a former preschool teacher and licensed daycare provider lend to her know-how on topics relating to parenting and childhood education.

Her thoughts on faith and family issues stem from home life and ministry work. Sarah takes time to attend workshops and classes annually that help her to improve and hone her writing craft. She is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature program and her writing has been acclaimed by ACFW and ECPA.
Education
Institute of Children's Literature, Art Institute of Phoenix (Advertising), University of California Irvine (Theater), Snow College (Early Childhood Education)
Location
Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
Topics of Expertise
Entertainment, Faith




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