Judy, a chimpanzee rescued from wildlife trafficking as a young animal and cared for at Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary for more than three decades, has died.
The conservancy announced her death, remembering her as a resilient animal who overcame disability and health challenges to live among fellow chimpanzees in a safe environment.
Judy was born in 1983 and is believed to have originated from what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
At about 10 years old, she was rescued in transit alongside two other chimpanzees after being taken from her forest home.
She arrived at the sanctuary with lasting effects of polio affecting her right foot, believed to have developed during her childhood.
Despite her disability, Judy adapted to life at the sanctuary, using her strong front limbs to pull herself from place to place.
“Judy never let that define her. She simply adapted, using her strong front limbs to pull herself from place to place, quietly and without fuss,” the conservancy said.
Over the years, she became a familiar and much-loved resident, forming close relationships with other chimpanzees and the people who cared for her.
Judy was a devoted mother to Oscar, born in 1997, and spent her later years alongside her close companions Alley and Poco.
Her caregivers also remembered her fondness for food, including ugali, raw maize, roasted peanuts, apples and sweet potatoes.
The sanctuary staff said Judy had shared important moments with them, becoming part of their lives through both joyful milestones and difficult losses.
“Here at the Sanctuary, we remember her friendship with the staff through joyful milestones and difficult losses. Her influence continues in the dignity, respect and compassionate lifetime care we provide each ape,” the staff said.
The conservancy’s veterinary team described Judy as an example of strength and courage, saying her disability did not prevent her from living a fulfilling life.
“She was a true symbol of resilience, strength and kindness. Despite her disability and health challenges, she remained joyful, strong, and inspiring,” the vets said.
“She taught us to face life’s difficulties with courage, never give up, and always live life to the fullest.”
Judy’s death has also drawn attention to the importance of sanctuaries in providing lifelong care to chimpanzees rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.
Chimpanzees taken from their natural habitats can suffer lasting physical and psychological effects. Those rescued from trafficking may require specialised care, particularly when injuries or disabilities make returning to the wild unsuitable.
At Sweetwaters, Judy spent more than 30 years in an environment where she received protection and care after being taken from her forest home at a young age.
The conservancy said her story was a reminder of why the sanctuary’s work remains important, particularly in protecting animals whose lives have been disrupted by human activities.
It thanked Judy’s adopters and the people who had followed her journey and supported her care over the years.
“Thank you to everyone who supported Judy over the years, including her adopters and everyone who followed her story,” the conservancy said.
