OVERVIEW
“In what terms should we think of these beings, nonhuman yet possessing so very many human-like characteristics? How should we treat them? Surely we should treat them with the same consideration and kindness as we show to other humans; and as we recognize human rights, so too should we recognize the rights of the great apes? Yes.”
― Jane Goodall
Chimpanzees (Pan Trogolodytes) are our closest living relatives and share 98% of human genes. It is estimated that there about 173,000 - 300,000 chimps left in the world mainly in western to central Africa. Similar to other primates, chimpanzees are omnivores with diets consisting of fruit, insects and the meat of small animals they prey on. They also reside together in communities and are highly social organisms that are able to form strong intraspecific bonds between one other. Chimpanzees interact with a variety of other species including prey (i.e. termites), predators (i.e. leopards) and humans. Due to deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, and disease, chimpanzee populations have drastically decreased over the past century and they are now listed as an endangered species. Since they are at risk of extinction, many conservation programs that have been initiated by organizations such as the "World Wildlife Fund" (WWF) as well as "The Jane Goodall Institute" to help protect and sustain chimp populations.