They share the sweetest bond.
Citron’s story is a moving reminder of both the devastation and the hope that exist within the world of wildlife conservation. From tragedy to healing, his journey reflects the best and worst of human behavior — and ultimately, the transformative power of empathy.
🐵 Citron’s Journey: From Orphan to Sanctuary
- Early Trauma: Citron lost his family to poachers as a baby — a common, heartbreaking fate for chimpanzees targeted by the illegal wildlife trade.
- Rescue & Rehabilitation: He was rescued by Papaye International, a dedicated organization in Cameroon that protects orphaned chimps in the Douala Edéa Natural Park.
- Healing Through Love: Citron’s most profound bond is with Fiston, the caregiver who nursed him through fear and grief into safety and joy. Their reunion hugs show that deep emotional connections can flourish between species.
🛖 Life in Sanctuary
- Today, Citron lives freely on an island with other rescued chimps, where they explore, play, and build new families.
- When Fiston visits to deliver food, Citron doesn’t just greet him — he beams, hugs, and shows unmistakable affection.
🌍 What This Teaches Us
- Chimpanzees are incredibly emotional beings, sharing 98% of human DNA. Their grief, joy, memory, and bonds mirror our own in striking ways.
- The story reveals the two faces of humanity:
- One that destroys through greed, cruelty, and poaching.
- One that heals through compassion, care, and action.
As Marylin Pons Riffet of Papaye International put it:
“A part of humanity — the one that poaches, traffics and kills — has deprived them of their family … and another part — the one that loves, saves and protects — assures them today of being able to rebuild themselves.”