‘Baby Chimp Rescue’ Recap: ‘Breaking Point’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the second episode of ‘Baby Chimp Rescue’.

One particular job that has to be extremely difficult, is that of a charity worker. Because while we see the end result of their work, wherein they are able to put smiles on people’s faces by either feeding them or clothing them, or even providing them with shelter or a meal, we rarely see the hardships that charity workers go through in order to make any of that happen. Because these folks work extremely hard to get a single person aid, and they often have to ask so many for help just to get enough money to pay for a single meal, and that’s why it is important to celebrate stories or documentaries that put that particular hardship on display. Simply because they allow for the viewer to really understand the dedication and the undertaking and the high and the lows that come with charity and that’s precisely why Baby Chimp Rescue is such a magnificent series.

For it takes us on a powerful journey, one that holds nothing back in its presentation of how difficult it can be to offer charity, and for proof that this is the case, then look no further than last night’s episode of this magnificent documentary.. Because ‘Breaking Point’ really did inform us of how difficult it is to run a sanctuary for endangered animals by showing us the struggles that Jenny and Jim Desmond go through, on a regular basis to keep these animals safe. Such as how they have to combat illnesses. Which is no easy task for certain. For their facility is tightly knit, to the point where the chimps are in close quarters, and when illness strikes… it spreads quickly through the chimpanzees, forcing all kinds of emergency actions on the staff’s part to ensure that these precious primates don’t succumb to the illness in question. And sadly, this particular fight is one that the staff can lose… since the outbreak that occurred in this tale, robbed Mira of her life.

Which was heartbreaking and devastating to learn of, and the hardships in this tale, didn’t end there. Because another rough and honest and earnest element that this chapter was quick to teach us of, is how Jenny and Jim are often forced to face the end result of ignorance when it comes to these gentle creatures. Because once again, they Jenny and Ben were out and about in Liberia with the local police, in order to save chimpanzees that were either for sale or were chained up as pets and that allowed for us to meet Johnny and see his unsettling living situation. For this particular chimp was ten years of age and fearful of those around him because he spent his days, alone in the elements, often without enough food or he was receiving the wrong kind of nutrients. Since Jenny and Ben came to discover that Johnny was being fed alcohol on a regular basis. But this kind of problem harkens back to the ignorance in question. For these owners simply didn’t know any better and had it not been for the Desmonds, who knows what kind of life Johnny would have led. 

But even then, rescuing a troubled chimp like Johnny has its hardships as well, since he was another addition to the already close quarters at the facility and that led to a sobering epiphany in regard to their mission. In that, the Desmonds are alone in their fight to save these animals and are pushing their resources to the limit in order to make that happen. But while all of these harsh elements make it seem as though this episode focused only upon the bad, there was indeed beauty to be found in this tale. Because seeing this intrepid couple fight so hard for these chimps, allowed for this episode to transform into quite the inspirational and hopeful tale. Because nothing stops Jenny and Jim from caring for them and they really will put themselves in harm’s way to ensure that these rare and beautiful beings are safe and sound, and have every chance to live a long and fruitful and happy life and that really does lift one’s spirits. Simply because that kind of sacrifice and bravery is heroic for certain, and it was wonderful to know that their mission is now inspiring others to do right by nature.

For we also came to learn in this tale, that an architect has stepped up and helped them to design the new sanctuary out of the kindness of his heart, and that the land has been secured. All because people believe in this cause and want to see it succeed and the fact that they are still plugging ahead on the training of these wonderful animals, and finding success with that, and still searching for investors for the sanctuary; leaves the audience hopeful that the next episode of this incredible documentary will finally see them make major strides in building said sanctuary. Because these chimps, and the Desmonds for that matter as well… deserve that kind of reward and the peace that will come with it. But while we wait to see where this documentary takes us next, it’s best we celebrate one powerful episode. One that genuinely moved us to tears by offering up a no-holds barred look at the highs and lows of running a sanctuary for primates. and truly, everything we saw here is going to make the wait for next week’s episode quite difficult for certain. For this incredible tale really does draw you in. Simply because Jenny and Jim’s push to make the world a better place… provides us with exactly the kind of hope we need right now, in the midst of these trying and uncertain times. Until next time.

To learn more about Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue & Protection and their mission, or to support their cause, please visit their website.

---