Topo

It is with deep sadness that we share the news that our treasured Topo passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 5th, 2020.  He was the first chimpanzee to make his home at the sanctuary in 1995 after being rescued from a trailer park in upstate New York.  He was the alpha male, a wise, loving patriarch, and garnered the respect and adoration of both his chimpanzee and human family at Freedom for Great Apes.  He was believed to have been born in the early 1970’s.  No matter his age, Topo radiated a youthful spirit – often head bobbing to his human friends to solicit a game of chase.  His play started off with soft happy breaths that would develop into a loud audible unique Topo laugh.

Topo was a beautiful soul who brightened the sanctuary. He brought love to everyone around him.  His last few days were spent in the constant company of his human and chimpanzee family.  Surrounded with love and stories, he left us with his one-of-a-kind laugh.  The most difficult part of our work in providing lifetime care and sanctuary for chimpanzees is when we have to say goodbye.  These beautiful beings touch our hearts and remind us of how connected we all are.  Comfort comes from knowing that Topo and his family of chimpanzees have been given hope, fulfilled promise, and love in a sanctuary called home.