18 Years Ago She Said Goodbye To The Chimpanzees She Rescued. When Finally Face To Face Again Their Reaction Is Beautiful!

Linda-chimp-thumb.jpg

Linda Koebner was a 23-year-old graduate student when she was asked to participate in what would be a life changing project. When a Hepatitis vaccine had been found, there were several chimpanzees that were no longer needed. These chimps would need to be transitioned into living outside of the lab, if possible. Three of the rescued chimps were Swing, Doll, and Sparky.

Linda was there with them when they saw the sun for the first time in many many years. The chimps had been taken from their mothers at very young ages from Africa. They were terrified to leave their transfer boxes and explore their new habitat. The poor chimps had never had any sort of freedom before that day and just didn't know what to do with it. 

 chimp-bottle.jpg

Thankfully, Linda was successful in helping them transition into their new home. She was there with the chimps every day for four years. The young chimps saw her as their mother, protector, and friend. 

Linda eventually had to leave the chimps, but she never forgot them. She came to visit the chimps 25 years after rescuing them and was not sure what to expect from them, after-all it had been 18 years since she last saw them face to face. Sadly, Sparky had passed away, but Swing and Doll were still alive and while Linda was nervous about seeing them again, she was also eager! 

chimp-smile.jpg

As Linda made her way over to them on a boat and began calling to them, the chimps were intrigued. Swing came right up to greet her with a huge grin on her face as if she really did recall who Linda was! What an emotional moment for both Linda and Swing! 

Not to miss out on this special reunion Doll joined the party. Both chimps hugged Linda and were genuinely happy to see her! They sat together and reminisced about days past. Linda says "These chimpanzees have taught me about resilience, all of these have gone through such tremendous adversity and yet they're forgiving and they're whole again." 

Watch their tearfully joyful reunion below! 

If you loved this story, be sure to share it with your friends on Facebook!

Pitbull Dumped In The Mountains, When Rescuers Get A Glimpse Of His Muzzle They Rush Him To The Vet
/pitbull_dumped_in_the_mountains_when_rescuers_get_a_glimpse_of_his_muzzle_they_rush_him_to_the_vet
Authorities Were Called To Investigate A House. When Rescuers Arrived What They Found Living In The Basement Had Everyone Heart-Sick
/athorities_were_called_to_investigate_a_house_when_rescuers_arrived_what_they_find_living_in_the_basement_had_everyone_heartbroken
When Rescuers Got Their First Look at This Dog’s Eyes, They Immediately Knew She Needed Their Help
/when_rescuers_got_their_first_look_at_this_dog_s_eyes_they_immediately_knew_she_needed_their_help
Rescuers Got A Call About An Unidentifiable Animal Needing Their Help, When They Saw What It Was They Immediately Rushed Into Action
/rescuers_got_a_call_about_an_unidentifiable_animal_needing_their_help_when_they_saw_what_it_was_they_immediately_rushed_into_action
Dog Was Skin And Bones, On The Brink Of Death When Rescuers Found Her. What They Do For This Dying Dog Is Nothing Short Of A Miracle
/she_was_skin_and_bones_when_rescuers_found_her_what_they_do_for_this_dying_dog_is_nothing_short_of_a_miracle
Stray Dog Lives Outside in Shoebox for Months, Rescuers Immediately Jump Into Action When They See How Sick She Is
/stray_dog_lives_outside_in_shoebox_for_months_rescuers_immediately_jump_into_action_when_they_see_how_sick_she_is
When A Helpless Creature Is Stranded On The Shore, A Man Happens To Take Notice. After The Rescue, Something Miraculous Takes Place, Leaving Him Utterly Speechless
/when_a_helpless_creature_is_stranded_on_the_shore_a_man_happens_to_take_notice_after_the_rescue_though_sometime_miraculous_takes_place_that_leaves_him_utterly_speechless
18 Years Ago She Said Goodbye To The Chimpanzees She Rescued. When Finally Face To Face Again Their Reaction Is Beautiful!
/woman_who_helped_rescue_chimpanzees_is_reunited_with_them_after_18_years_when_they_are_finally_face_to_face_the_chimps_reaction_is_remarkable
Manta Swims By Diver. As He Gets Closer, The Diver See's Something Unusual And Springs Into Action
/manta_swims_up_to_diver_when_the_diver_see_s_why_he_springs_into_action
Colorado Man And His Dog Were Trapped In Their Car When Flash Floods Surrounded Them. Watch The Heroic Moment When Rescuers Arrived To Save Them
/colorado_man_and_his_dog_were_trapped_when_high_waters_surrounded_car_when_rescuers_arrived_they_have_to_move_fast_and