Saving Chimpanzees

by Eugene Cussons

In this moving account of his work with chimpanzees, Eugene Cussons – host of Animal Planet’s Escape to Chimp Eden and director at Jane Goodall Institute’s Chimp Eden Sanctuary – tells a story of devotion, survival and renewal.
In this latter capacity he is committed to rescuing abused and abandoned chimpanzees all over the world, but most notably in wartorn countries like Angola and the Sudan. A tireless champion of man’s closest relative, Eugene risks life and limb, and battles bureaucratic red tape in his rescue efforts. Saving Chimpanzees recounts his experiences on the many rescue missions he has undertaken.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2011

Reviews

[Kitty schepkens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book tells us about the wonderful missions Eugene has been trough with saving the chimpanzees from all over the world. when you know the episodes from on tv (Escape to Chimp Eden), this book will give you a better insight of the missions he did and the dedication this man has to the chimps, this book is compelling, fascinating and remarkable in every way. A must read for everyone that loves animals.

[Ashantaey Sunny-Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

" Saving Chimpanzees" is Eugene Cusson's, managing director of Chimpanzee Eden South Africa's first published novel of his involvement and managing of several rescue missions that he has undertaken throughout Africa and Europe.

Saving Chimpanzees out of war torn countries, where life does seem to have less value,requires bravery, an iron will, persistency and courage. Above that it requires quick thinking and being able to adapt oneself to defy possible dangerous situations.

Eugene's story is an unique opportunity to experience the true dimensions of several of his rescue missions. Through laughter and tears, humor and despair, failure and victory.
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"Reading "Saving Chimpanzees" is truly one of the most interesting biographies I have read.
Once I learnt of the publication of his first novel, I could not wait to get the book to experience the truth behind his work and his personal missions. Reading "Saving Chimpanzees" for me was a true learning experience of what it takes for one to do the work of rescuing and rehabilitating endangered animals.


Ashantaey
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"Saving Chimpanzees" is not only his story, but also is an important lesson why we need to raise awareness and spreading the word that we are ought to protect one of Earth's precious exotic animals.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Chimpanzees by Eugene Cussons is a true adventure. This book follows Eugene Cussons and his team as they try to rescue chimps. It includes frustrations, failures and ultimate successes. Eugene's everyman writing style whets your appetite for more; it makes you feel like your actually there. It is a true page turner -- it's hard to put the book down. You meet unsavory characters, good characters and of course, the wonderful chimps. Enjoy. I totally recommend this book.

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

After watching both seasons of "Escape to Chimp Eden" and falling in love with Eugene's work and the chimps, I was overjoyed to begin this book. It did not disappoint. Reading about the ordeals Eugene faced in initiating the sanctuary and collecting some of its first inhabitants only gave me more profound respect for Eugene and the others working on the project. It is amazing to what lengths these individuals have gone to save a species other than their own. This book is truly worth reading!

[Bev Erickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! Eugene is very passionate about animals and his passion and compassion came through in the book. I felt like I got to know each of the chimps and have a desire to go and visit them at Chimp Eden.

[Joan Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of how Eugene Cussons started "Chimp Eden", the chimpanzee sanctuary in Nelspruit, South Africa (and the subject of Animal Planet's "Escape to Chimp Eden". It's a fascinating look into the difficult (and often dangerous work) of rescuing chimpanzees and gives a wonderful insight into their behaviour and social interaction. It also highlights the desperate plight of primates in Africa, faced with bush-meat hunting and illegal trade. I did find the book rather slow and a little long-winded in places, but still a very enjoyable and worthwhile read.

[Helen Offutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, well written and I didn't want it to end. Having watched Escape to Chimp Eden, it really added to what I was already familiar to. Great guy and great cause.