Rescued chimpanzee recognizes caregiver after long separation — ignores the bananas he's holding

An unexpected reunion clip left the internet in tears. A video uploaded by @papaye.international on June 24, 2025, featured a chimpanzee hugging his caregiver. The post instantly received an overwhelming response, reaching more than 8.9 million views and 792K likes so far. The touching video showcases the chimpanzee, Citron, slowly approaching Fiston, his older caregiver, to take the fruits being offered to him. After a few thoughtful steps, Citron can be seen getting relaxed as he not only happily takes a banana from Fiston's hand but also hugs him fondly.  

The original caption explains the said video in French, but also leaves a translated version for worldwide users to read, "Citron recognizes Fiston as his caregiver, the one who cared for him, accompanied him, and respected him. This chimpanzee, once rescued by our association, found freedom years ago on Pongo Island. In his arms, all his memories, trust, and emotion resurface. It's impossible to remain unmoved by such a scene!"

The organization also shared the backstory of Citron and how the team rescued him. They mention in one of the comments that Citron was a victim of poaching and illegal animal trafficking and was very young when they sheltered him at the sanctuary. They further shared that they tried their best to help him gain back his health and confidence, and as a result of all the hard work, he was able to roam freely again on Pongo Island. The organization wrote, "Today, he has regained his freedom on Pongo Island, but still enjoys seeing his keepers, whom he never forgets!"

The animal trafficking of chimpanzees is not an uncommon news story. According to a recent report, between the years 2016 and 2020, 153 chimpanzees, most of whom were from the western subspecies, may have been traded internationally. These animals are often kept as symbols of wealth in the form of pets or used in commercial entertainment. The main buyers of chimpanzees are from Africa, the Middle East, China, and Eastern Europe, while the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and the Republic of Guinea serve as the primary source countries. 

Countless Instagram users flocked to the comments section to express their support and appreciation. @romulomyn wrote, "That's amazing! The real feeling of gratitude." @janet_geall exclaimed, "Just the most beautiful and touching thing I’ve ever seen. The most precious moment." "We don't deserve animals. Such beautiful interaction," commented @cutecatladyy, while @ksa.expo said, "It’s more respectful than human." 

@papaye.international has dedicated their entire work and social media page to improving the present and future of rescued chimpanzees. The organization further wrote in the caption, "Every day, we work to offer them a dignified, free, and respectful future. A future where baby chimpanzees will no longer be robbed of their childhood. A future where we will never forget that recognizing the humanity in others is also the beginning of our humanity."

For more inspiring chimpanzee content, follow @papaye.international on their Instagram account.