From Drug Lord's Captive to Sanctuary, a Chimpanzee's Uncertain Future

Yoko, a chimpanzee, has spent the last two years of his life in solitude. He was taken from his family as an infant and raised by a drug lord before ending up in a Colombian zoo. His last companion, Chita, died in 2023 after escaping with Yoko's rival, Pancho. The pair was killed by soldiers due to safety concerns.

Last month, Yoko, now 38 years old, was moved to a sanctuary in Brazil to be with other chimpanzees. However, his caregivers believe he is more human than chimp. He uses utensils, enjoys playing with a ball, watches television, and creates art. He also has a fondness for sweets and chicken.

Yoko's upbringing included being fed junk food by his captor, a narco trafficker, which resulted in him losing most of his teeth. He was also taught to smoke and dress in human clothes, leading to a skin disease and fur loss. This upbringing has led to a high degree of tameness, with Yoko behaving much like a child.

Experts are concerned about Yoko's ability to adapt to life with other chimpanzees at the sanctuary. He may struggle to integrate due to his unique experiences. He doesn't understand chimpanzee communication, such as the meaning of a smile.

Yoko was rescued from his owner in 2017 and spent time in a refuge before arriving at the Pereira zoo. He was denied the chance to grow up with his own kind. Chimpanzees are social animals and can live up to 60 years in captivity with proper care. The species is listed as endangered.

Colombia has become the first country to eliminate all captive great apes with Yoko's transfer. The Great Ape Project, an NGO, confirmed this. A Colombian senator highlighted that great apes are not native to the country and that Yoko was a victim of trafficking from a young age.