When Namibian journalist John Grobler arrived on the outskirts of Huambo, Angola, he was unprepared for a tale of both sorrow and optimism. As he wandered near the private park Granja-por-de-Sol, he spotted her — Leila, a 4-and-a-half-year-old chimpanzee, tied between two trees, malnourished and isolated. In that instant, Grobler realized he could not simply walk away.
“I immediately saw this young chimpanzee chained between two trees,” he recounted to The Dodo. “Nobody was really taking care of her.”
Leila’s condition was critical. Local reports indicated that she had been sold as an infant after her mother was killed, likely for bushmeat. Initially kept in a cage, she had managed to destroy it, leading her owner to chain her outside, exposed to the harsh sun with minimal shelter. She fashioned a makeshift bed in a hollow tree and occasionally covered her head with fabric for a bit of comfort. Yet, her survival was a daily battle.
Starving and dehydrated, Leila depended on food scraps from park visitors — unhealthy fried items, pasta, and the rare drink. She even resorted to drinking her own urine. A scar on her head hinted at past abuse, likely from being struck with a machete. Despite this, Grobler observed signs of resilience.
“She was obviously massively underfed and in bad condition,” he noted, “but she had a spark of life that told me I had to help.”
Grobler’s compassion was immediate, driven by a lifelong love for animals. Although he had only intended to stay briefly in Angola, he could not abandon Leila in her dire situation. However, the rescue was far from straightforward. Chimpanzees are technically illegal to keep as pets in Angola, and Grobler understood he would need to navigate bureaucracy, permits, and the logistics of moving a wild animal.
He first contacted Dalene Dreyer, a Namibian woman caring for another orphaned chimp, George. She agreed to provide temporary care while Grobler organized Leila’s transport. Yet, several obstacles remained: obtaining a confiscation permit, updating vaccinations, securing a passport, arranging a driver, and constructing a transport cage. Grobler received vital support from the Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation, which helped finance the rescue.
In the weeks leading up to her release, Grobler worked to build Leila’s trust. He brought her water and nutritious foods, like coconuts, but noticed she was hesitant to eat anything he hadn’t tried first. “She would not eat a cracker unless I ate it in front of her,” he explained. This caution revealed the trauma she had experienced, but also her intelligence and ability to be cautious.
At last, the long-anticipated day arrived. Grobler sedated Leila for her safety and carefully transported her to Dreyer’s home in Luanda, where she began to adapt to life free from chains. Despite her unusual upbringing, Grobler remains hopeful about her future. Plans are in place to eventually transfer Leila to the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage in Zambia, where she will continue her rehabilitation with the aim of reintroduction to the wild within a year or two.
“I think she will make it,” Grobler stated. “She’s very bright and resilient. Her spirit is strong.”
The emotional connection between rescuer and chimpanzee was immediate and profound. When it was time for Grobler to depart, Leila wrapped her arms around him, sensing his leaving. “She could see the bags, so I think she understood,” he recalled. This bond highlighted the intelligence and emotional depth of these extraordinary primates, as well as the significant impact human intervention can have on their survival.
Leila’s journey underscores the ongoing threats faced by wild chimpanzees across Africa. Habitat destruction, poaching, and the illegal pet trade continue to jeopardize their populations. Yet, it also illustrates the power of human compassion and commitment. One determined journalist, supported by conservationists and local partners, was able to provide a young chimpanzee with a second chance at life.
For Grobler, the rescue was more than just a task — it was a moral obligation. “I saw her suffering and thought, ‘I’ve got to do something about this, and I can’t leave it be,’” he expressed. His efforts show that meaningful change often requires bravery, persistence, and the readiness to confront logistical and bureaucratic challenges directly.
Leila now has a future — one where she can learn, heal, and ultimately return to the wild where she belongs. Her transition from captivity and abuse to care and rehabilitation is a testament to resilience, hope, and the transformative power of empathy.
Those wishing to support Leila’s ongoing care and eventual reintroduction to the wild can contribute to Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage, helping ensure that rescued chimpanzees like her have a chance at freedom and a life that respects their inherent intelligence and spirit.
💛 Leila’s story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of cruelty and neglect, compassion and determination can restore hope and change lives — for both humans and the animals we share our planet with.
