Chimpanzee Gives Jane Goodall The Best Hug Ever — And The Internet Swoons As One [Video]

In 2014, Jane Goodall got a thank you hug from a chimpanzee, and months later, the Internet is swooning over the video that captured the moment.

The chimpanzee’s name is Wounda. When she was found, the chimp was sick — underweight, weak, and near death, Animal Planet reported. The staff at the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in the Congo took her in and cared for her.

The chimpanzee did well and recovered, but that meant she had to go back into the wild, namely the protected lands on Tchindzoulou Island. This is one of three special islands developed by Goodall which offer both wild sanctuary to chimpanzees, but allow them access to continued care by staff.

About 160 already live there.

In the video, a small group is surrounding Wounda to see her off, including Jane. The chimp looks off into the forest, then back at her friend. And something like gratitude seems to overcome her — she reaches up and wraps two hairy arms around her. The embrace is very intimate, human, and incredibly genuine.

One likes to think that Wounda recognized what Jane did for her, and was giving her thanks.

As remarkable as the moment was to watch, it was even more incredible for Goodall, AOL added.

“It was a very, very touching moment. One of the most amazing things that’s ever happened to me. The warmth of her embrace is something I shall never forget.”

[Photos Courtesy YouTube Screengrabs]