Escape to Chimp Eden tells the moving stories of chimpanzees that have been to hell and back.

Some have been scarred for life. Others are young enough to have a chance to forget their past. For perhaps the first time in their lives, these abused and neglected chimpanzees are experiencing safety, nurturing and a loving environment at Chimp Eden, a sanctuary at the Jane Goodall Institute in the Mpumalanga region of South Africa.

Eugene Cussons, South African rescue director for Chimp Eden, helps rescue chimps and prepare them for life in the wild. Eugene has his work cut out as he researches the locations of abused chimps and rescues them from their neglectful owners.

Throughout the series Eugene’s dedication is clear as he often takes his life into his own hands when coming face-to-face with both aggressive owners and equally aggressive chimps.

This includes going into the chimp kindergarten, where the young chimps are not yet used to human contact and can often turn violent.

Watch as Eugene travels to Sudan to rescue five orphaned baby chimps, but on arrival he finds seven – two of which he must leave behind.

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- How well do you know your monkeys? Play our Monkey Quiz and find out