Escape to Chimp Eden

Watch Escape to Chimp Eden

  • 2008
  • 2 Seasons
  • 8.9  (167)

Escape to Chimp Eden is a reality TV series that aired on Animal Planet in 2008. The show follows Eugene Cussons, a South African conservationist, as he rescues abused and abandoned chimpanzees from across Africa and brings them to his sanctuary in South Africa. Cussons is a passionate advocate for animal rights, and he uses his expertise in primate behavior to provide a safe haven for chimpanzees who have suffered trauma and abuse, often at the hands of humans. In each episode, Cussons and his team travel to a different location in Africa where they work with local authorities and animal rights groups to identify and rescue chimpanzees in need.

The first season of Escape to Chimp Eden features a range of heart-wrenching stories, including a baby chimp who was found alone and terrified on the streets of a small African town, a group of chimps who were being used for medical experiments, and a young chimp who was kept as a pet and then abandoned when he became too big and destructive.

The series also sheds light on the illegal trade in primates, which is a major problem in many African countries. Cussons and his team work to investigate and dismantle networks of smugglers who trade in baby chimps and other primates, often killing adult chimpanzees in the process.

Once the chimps arrive at the sanctuary, Cussons and his team work to rehabilitate the primates and help them adjust to their new environment. This involves providing them with a healthy diet, teaching them how to socialize with other chimps, and providing enrichment activities, such as puzzles and toys, to keep them mentally stimulated.

Throughout the show, viewers get to know the individual chimps, each with their own unique personality and backstory. Some chimps are shy and cautious, while others are more outgoing and mischievous. Watching the chimps grow and thrive under Cussons' care is a heartwarming experience that will leave viewers feeling inspired and uplifted.

Escape to Chimp Eden is not only a source of entertainment but also a call to action. The show highlights the urgent need to protect chimpanzees and other primates from exploitation and abuse, and encourages viewers to get involved in conservation efforts in their own communities.

Overall, Escape to Chimp Eden is a fascinating and informative show that will appeal to animal lovers and anyone interested in conservation and animal welfare. Eugene Cussons is a charismatic and passionate host, and the show provides a rare glimpse into the world of chimpanzees and the incredible work being done to protect these amazing animals.

Escape to Chimp Eden is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (32 episodes). The series first aired on February 8, 2008.

Escape to Chimp Eden
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Seasons
Eugene Goes Wild
20. Eugene Goes Wild
June 4, 2009
With his eye on returning chimps to the wild, Eugene travels to the Lekedi Reserve in the Central African country of Gabon. This is prime chimp habitat, the place where he hopes to create a "launch into the wild" camp to prepare his chimps for the future
The Human Alpha
19. The Human Alpha
June 4, 2009
Eugene's hands on work with the new family group begins in earnest. In many ways, he is as much a chimp as the newcomers, who have only known captivity.
The Millennium Family
18. The Millennium Family
May 28, 2009
The new family is released into the empty infant enclosure after leaving quarantine. It is the day in which Eugene has been looking forward to since Jao rejected him several months earlier. But his excitement is tempered with worry with the chance of working "hands on" again. Once the new group has experienced the freedom of the enclosure, they may reject him as well.
Growing Pains for the Infants
17. Growing Pains for the Infants
May 28, 2009
Joa's family is transferred to the old adult enclosure, where there is more room and more chances to make trouble. But what will their reaction be to the new surroundings? Will Cozi feel unsettled and start to regress? How will this affect the group dynamics? Will Zac take the chance at unseating Jao, once and for all?
Moving Day for the Adults (Part 2)
16. Moving Day for the Adults (Part 2)
May 21, 2009
As the adult group settles into their new home, Eugene and Phillip celebrate the success of the move. Then, a seemingly minor dust up between Josephine and Jinga (as they are put in for the night) apparently sparks a major drama.
Moving Day for the Adults (Part 1)
15. Moving Day for the Adults (Part 1)
May 21, 2009
The adult group is becoming more like wild chimps every day, so after months of preparation it's time to move them to a bigger, less controlled enclosure.
The Rise and Fall of Gida
14. The Rise and Fall of Gida
May 15, 2009
Gida has struggled for her place hierarchy since Abu died, and that two females have been introduced to the group.
Tony's Brighter Day
13. Tony's Brighter Day
May 15, 2009
Tony needs a cataract operation and if all does not go well, Tony may not live a normal life again.
Chimp Eden Casanova
12. Chimp Eden Casanova
May 8, 2009
Nicky and Claudette are reunited.
Life in Quarantine
11. Life in Quarantine
May 8, 2009
The alpha female, Martha, of the group is responsible for the success of a new family group at Chimp Eden. Hopefully she will accept Eugene as one of the family so that he can join the other chimps in the outdoor enclosure.
Seven Babies for a New Family (Part 2)
10. Seven Babies for a New Family (Part 2)
May 1, 2009
Last year Eugene was forced to leave two of the babies behind in the Sudan. This time he is determined to save them all.
Seven Babies for a New Family (Part 1)
9. Seven Babies for a New Family (Part 1)
May 1, 2009
Eugene heads back to the Sudan for his biggest rescue yet. This time he has seven young chimps awaiting a rescue.
Zac, The Great Pretender
8. Zac, The Great Pretender
April 24, 2009
Zac, the number 2 male, challenges Jao for the leadership in the family. This showdown was bound to happen someday.
Josephine's Day Out
7. Josephine's Day Out
April 24, 2009
Josephine makes a break from the adult closure, and takes refuge inside the volunteers break room.
A New Home for Suzie and Lily part 2
6. A New Home for Suzie and Lily part 2
April 17, 2009
The chimps transfer is impeded by a series of events while moving from Angola to the sanctuary in South Africa.
A New Home for Suzie and Lily part 1
5. A New Home for Suzie and Lily part 1
April 17, 2009
A pair of young female chimps in Angola are rescued, where one was found locked in a cage at a beach resort exposed to disease from the tourists.
The Family Jao - Cheaper By the Dozen
4. The Family Jao - Cheaper By the Dozen
April 10, 2009
The addition of two baby chimps into the infant enclosure raises concerns.
Josephine is the Name, Trouble is the Game (Part 2)
3. Josephine is the Name, Trouble is the Game (Part 2)
April 10, 2009
Despite the confusion over the death of Apu, the alpha male and the ascension of Amadeus as the new alpha male, Josephine's integration in the group continues.
Josephine is the Name, Trouble is the Game (Part 1)
2. Josephine is the Name, Trouble is the Game (Part 1)
April 3, 2009
A 13 year old aggressive chimp is hindering her integration into the adult area, and a sudden tragedy is felt all over the camp.
Tony's Brush with Death
1. Tony's Brush with Death
April 3, 2009
The season 2 opener finds two chimps being sedated for their move out of quarantine, but one of the chimps is having a bad reaction to the medication used.
Description
Where to Watch Escape to Chimp Eden
Escape to Chimp Eden is available for streaming on the Animal Planet website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Escape to Chimp Eden on demand at Discovery+, Amazon Prime and Animal Planet.
  • Premiere Date
    February 8, 2008
  • IMDB Rating
    8.9  (167)