"Thank You for Saving Me": Chimpanzee Smiles and Hugs Rescuer in Heartwarming Reunion

Chimpanzee 'Citron' Rescued in Cameroon Just Before Being Sold on the Illegal Market
Reunited With His Rescuer
Foreign Media: "Intelligence and Empathy Are Not Exclusive to Humans"

A heartwarming moment has been shared online, showing an orphaned chimpanzee who lost its parents to poachers and was sold through illegal trade, joyfully embracing the man who rescued it upon their reunion.

An orphaned chimpanzee, who lost its parents and was sold through illegal trade, is sharing a warm embrace with the man who rescued it several years ago. Chimpanzee protection organization 'Papaye International'

On July 4 (local time), the U.S.-based animal media outlet 'The Dodo' reported a touching reunion between a chimpanzee named Citron and the man who rescued him in Cameroon, Africa. Previously, Citron lost his parents to poachers shortly after birth. He was then sold into the illegal wildlife trade market, where his life was put in danger.

Fortunately, the chimpanzee protection organization 'Papaye International' carried out a rescue operation and was able to save Citron. Marilyn Pons Lippet, president of Papaye International, explained, "Citron arrived at the sanctuary injured, frightened, and in a state of sadness." Thankfully, under the care of the animal protection organization, Citron regained his health. He now spends his days in a wildlife reserve in Cameroon, interacting with other chimpanzees.

An orphaned chimpanzee, who lost its parents and was sold through illegal trade, is sharing a warm embrace with the man who rescued it several years ago. Chimpanzee protection organization 'Papaye International'

Citron did not forget his rescuers. Whenever staff from the protection organization visited the reserve, Citron would run up to them and embrace them warmly. On one occasion, a rescuer visited holding a banana, but Citron showed no interest in the banana at all, instead opening his arms wide to hug his rescuer. After sharing an emotional embrace, they looked into each other's eyes and hugged again, touching the hearts of those who watched the video. With a joyful expression, Citron hugged his rescuer three times before finally picking up the banana. When it was time to part, he even initiated a handshake.

The Dodo reported, "Chimpanzees share 98% of their DNA with humans. This video shows just how similar chimpanzee behavior is to that of humans. Intelligence, sensitivity, and empathy are not privileges exclusive to humans." The report continued, "While some humans have deprived them of their families and freedom through poaching, trafficking, and killing, the humanity of others who love and protect them shows that we can rebuild ourselves anew."

This scene quickly spread through social networking services (SNS). Internet users around the world responded with comments such as, "Chimpanzees must know the feeling of embracing," "That smiling face is so adorable," "What a touching story," and "Even animals that cannot speak can feel emotions just as deeply as humans."