NAIROBI, Kenya — In the heart of Laikipia County, the Ol Pejeta Chimpanzee Sanctuary a 250-acre refuge for 29 rescued chimpanzees continues to embody the vision and compassion of the late Dr. Jane Goodall, the legendary primatologist whose lifelong mission was to protect these intelligent and endangered animals.
Operated by a team of 17 devoted staff members, including caregivers, security officers, and a resident veterinarian, the sanctuary remains a model of humane wildlife care. For Head Caregiver Stephen Nderitu, who has worked at Ol Pejeta for nearly three decades, the news of Goodall’s death on Oct. 1, 2025, was heartbreaking.
“It was a normal working day when we received the news. Everyone was devastated,” Nderitu recalled. “But after the grief, we all resolved to carry on her dream protecting chimpanzees and preserving her spirit of compassion.”
Goodall last visited Ol Pejeta in 2015 to celebrate her 81st birthday, an event still vividly remembered by the staff. “She spent the day with us, sharing stories, laughter, and even planting trees,” Nderitu said. “Her energy was contagious.”
Each day, the sanctuary team ensures the chimps receive a nutritious diet of fruits, vegetables, peanuts, eggs, and maize meal. The animals live in two separate enclosures one housing 12 chimps, the other 17 both secured by electric fences and monitored around the clock.
But even with such measures, the sanctuary faces unique challenges. “One of our oldest chimps, Alley, figured out how to short-circuit the fence with sticks,” Nderitu said with amusement. “Chimpanzees are incredibly clever they always keep us on our toes.”
Beyond protection, Ol Pejeta also serves as an educational hub where visitors learn about conservation and the importance of animal welfare. Entrance fees and donations from well-wishers directly fund the chimps’ care and the sanctuary’s operations.
Although Jane Goodall’s passing marks the end of an era, her mission lives on through her family and the global network of sanctuaries inspired by her work including Tchimpounga in Congo and Chimp Eden in South Africa.
Since its establishment in 1993, the Ol Pejeta Chimpanzee Sanctuary has rescued and rehabilitated over 40 chimpanzees, providing them with safety, dignity, and lifelong care. As Nderitu puts it, “Dr. Goodall may be gone, but every chimpanzee we protect keeps her legacy alive.”