Chimp rescued as a baby from circus abuse turns 30

A chimpanzee called Trudy who was rescued from her abusive owner is celebrating her 30th birthday.

The animal made headlines when circus trainer Mary Chipperfield was found guilty of 12 counts of cruelty relating to the young chimp in Hampshire in 1999.

Trudy was taken in by Monkey World in Dorset, where she joined an adopted family of 17 other chimpanzees.

The rescue centre said it would mark her birthday on Thursday with special treats and celebrations.

When she first arrived, keepers said Trudy was severely traumatised and struggled to behave like other chimpanzees.

She had been kept in isolation and had never learned how to play, often seeking comfort from humans rather than her own kind.

Over time, she was gradually introduced to other chimps and encouraged to socialise, eventually forming close bonds with her new group.

Dr Alison Cronin, director of Monkey World, said it was hard to believe they had reached the latest milestone.

"All those years ago we confiscated a baby chimpanzee that had been abused and neglected from the time of her birth, when she was taken away from her natural family," she said.

"Trudy had an army of supporters demanding justice on her behalf and defending her right to remain with her adopted family.

"For Trudy, the other chimpanzees in that family were key to her rehabilitation, giving her the love, care and support that any child requires."

After her rescue, Trudy's former owner applied to have her returned, while supporters campaigned for her to remain at the sanctuary.

They included conservationists and primate experts Sir David Attenborough and Dame Jane Goodall.

Monkey World said her recovery showed the importance of giving rescued animals the chance to live alongside their own species.

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