Chimpanzees

It should come as no surprise that we have much in common with our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. Chimps live in complex family groups, use tools, even - and this is going to make you proud - occasionally wage war on each other. They can be found across a variety of habitats in equatorial West and Central Africa.

Unfortunately, Chimpanzees’ genetic similarity to us has led to them being the subject of countless laboratory experiments and even having their young stolen for the exotic pet trade. Five(ish) million years ago when we split from our common evolutionary ancestor, Chimpanzees unquestionably took the wrong fork in the road. And between habitat destruction and hunting, humans are still making them pay for that wrong turn today.

Chimpanzees require quite a bit of effort to see in the wild. Communities, as they’re called, can have up to 100 members, but they inhabit large ranges, so without experienced trackers, you are unlikely to stumble across them. There are however many sanctuaries that care for and aim to rehabilitate chimps, that guarantee a sighting and better yet, an education.