A Woman and Her Chimpanzees Heal Together After Trauma | The New Yorker

In “Mama,” directed by Pablo de la Chica, Mama Zawadi, a caregiver at a chimpanzee sanctuary, where she and the chimps-both victims of the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo-help each other heal.
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A Woman and Her Chimpanzees Heal Together After Trauma | The New Yorker

[@ithaka3835]

Mama Zwadi has the most perfect soul she’s overcome the most horrendous, awful horrors imaginable and now can still laugh and love. She is a saint in my eyes loving and caring for animals who have also suffered tremendous fear and loss.

[@TheShortee44]

Also, there was Ms Rita. The older woman who chose to live her life doing nothing but rescuing and caring for mostly chimpanzees, but had an assortment of different species she catered to caring for.

[@itsjeninMass]

I agree. What a beautiful, powerful woman.

[@Lynn.B.]

This was an incredibly poignant, beautiful and deeply painful story; I cried for the entire second half, and am still crying. Thank you for such an extraordinary documentary.

[@singergirlly]

I’m feeling the same 😢😭

[@madasahatter5514]

Extraordinary indeed. It's beautifully done.

[@francinetalbert8028]

Yeah I cry to that what she been through I Pray that GOD said she free and the APEs know she free of bad thing's.

[@JohnDoe-tt4fm]

The mental fortitude of this woman is unbelievable. To go trough all those horrible events and still be able to find a place in her heart to love really puts things into perspective.

[@rachellaurent4394]

I feel sick for what those men did to her.

[@tommyboybr]

This is so moving, what a beautiful story about love! Even though it’s extremely sad, it’s beautiful to see what love can do!

[@vernelledouglas1801]

The violence and torture that humans inflict on other humans and animals sometimes hard to believe. I pray she and the Chimpanzees continue to overcome.

[@dianewilkins4418]

Animals have the redeeming qualities that humans do not.

[@johnsmith1474]

Why is it hard to believe? What is hard to believe is that anyone is so poorly informed as to not understand that humans are animals, with all the animal capabilities. You do know wild animals eat each other?

[@harrietharlow9929]

@@johnsmith1474 I don't get that denial, either. And beyond us being animals, we are also primates.

[@ljuchiha8428]

Chimps never used to eat eachother, they only killed eachother over territory just like humans, but over the years their behaviour changed and its probably cos of idiotic humans.

[@kshillingford4921]

The entities doing those kinds of things are not human. They are the spawn of satan. Demons in human-like form.

[@madasahatter5514]

The strength of this woman exudes beyond the screen. This video is so desperately sad but also so very beautiful. I like mama immensely. God Bless the good that's these people do. The whole world should be fighting for Chimpanzees and all endangered animals.

[@boukimalice7909]

Truly beautiful. I hope by telling her story it will help her to heal. I wish her the best.

[@joycegibbs5267]

usually when you confront the pain, you can let it out and it eases slightly but what she has been through is absolutely horrifying. The evil is hard to believe !

[@janedoe1146]

I have to say, men are so disappointing. Some of them, like these, are such cruel bastards. Sick of men treating others like this. When will it stop, world wide?

[@nancyherbert6518]

I believe when Christ returns, because he is not having none of this evil in His Kingdom!!

[@marydelossantos4468]

@Fires And Flowers 😂🤣

[@janedoe1146]

@Fires And Flowers Wake up.

[@annebiggins9549]

What a beautiful woman! God protect her she is taking care of these orphans. Under this hostile environment she loves these babies. She definitely is MaMa and their mother.

[@lx9037]

This lady is a saint. I’m tearing up a bit. Those babies recognize saints.

[@DJWOLFLIVE]

Facts

[@marthahannibal4417]

@@DJWOLFLIVE Qqq+the +q

[@DJWOLFLIVE]

@@marthahannibal4417 ?

[@brendakipkemoi2738]

Her name means "gift" in Swahili. She, and all the people at the sanctuary truly are a gift to the world. Humans don't deserve this planet😥😪

[@lindaking6450]

Mama's smile is sooo beautiful ❣️ I pray for God's protection for her and the Chimpanzees always.Amen❣️🙏😌

[@sharonazar1]

I'm crying. The amazing strength of the relationship between the chimpanzees (and indeed all animals) is so profound. May she and all victims continue to heal. To see Mama Zawadi laugh is healing to the soul of anyone who watches this..

[@harrietharlow9929]

It really is wonderful to see humans nurturing these baby chimps and seeing them healed in return.

[@farohfarah2862]

@@harrietharlow9929 مرحبا

[@susaneverhart9025]

⁸⁰0p0

[@melindac3368]

I'm an animal lover, and this touched my heart. I'd love to be able to do something like this to help our animals.

[@farohfarah2862]

@@melindac3368 مرحبا

[@EmmaDee]

Look how sweet, innocent and precious that Baby chimp is sleeping. First time she's likely felt safe in days after seeing her family slaughtered.

[@fedupwitumboth]

This poor woman…may god grant her mercy and peace.

[@EmmaDee]

I also pray they are very safe with security where they stay with the animals.

[@harrietharlow9929]

Me, too!

[@eyesiepaine9099]

It’s truly heartbreaking to hear this beautiful ladies story. I just wanted to hug her and wipe away her tears. The men that brutalised her and who continue to brutalise and kill women are psychopaths and I hate every single one of them for the misery they have caused and continue to cause.

[@amandacotten1654]

How can people live with themselves after hurting someone or an animal. It's so sad that she and other women will likely never feel safe. No one should have to live like that.

[@missmee7210]

Humans are the worst. How can a situation like this even be helped? It seems impossible.

[@Lonerangel7177]

Ikr.

[@lf3541]

New Yorker: Please add a link or contact information so we can help Mama.

[@priscillak777]

Yes..please share some link or info to reach out to help MaMa

[@praisegod7608]

May the Lord bless you !

[@lakebafondren5868]

The sound of that gunfire in the distance and that feeling of dread as one realizes it’s getting closer all the time reminds me of my childhood growing up in the ghetto.

[@SanKissJuice]

Humans are indeed scary and horrible. As a human, I'm traumatised too.

[@geewhiz63]

humans are the most evil beings on earth...they are worse than the most ferocious animals and the most poisonous snakes!!

[@pollenatrix]

Such depravity to want to destroy such beauty and love in all of these beautiful beings. May love continue to win out.

[@shellyandersonballew6934]

I swear the most horrific things happened to the sweetest most beautiful people! What a beautiful woman inside and out! She’s so good with the baby chimps. God bless you love!

[@MrCrackheadst]

Yes, it hurts. At the end of the day we behave exactly like animals, the tougher and most powerful rule and have the power to do whatever they want to you, luckily in some countries just sometimes there's repercussions, but just sometimes and the harm is done

[@ray30121]

What a precious soul she is. All the evil horrible things done to her, and she shows no signs of bitterness or hatred…. Only sadness for her losses. God bless and protect her, and all those like her in that hostile environment. - Rita M.

[@justicewillprevail1106]

I can see the sadness through her eyes. God bless this woman. I admire her strength and resilience. May her future be full of protection and love. She will be in my prayers.

[@carolinerowles5951]

These are the sort of people who should be revered. True saints walking among us. To have all that done to you and not hate the world and hold love in your heart 😘

[@robertopezzutto5843]

The ignorance and brutality of many cultures is always against women..

[@europianbob]

Against everyone!

[@The_Tiffster]

Cowardly.

[@Natasha-oz6ik]

@@The_Tiffster cowardly indeed!

[@cindyinnew]

What a true hero. I watched with tears

[@haveaseatplease]

Thank you for this great story. I hope the conflicts in Congo will soon take an end so that no more people have to endure trauma and hardship.

[@franalford202]

How I wish I could be close to mamma and help her! My prayers go out to this precious soul and I know our God is smiling on her helping these little lost babies.

[@christinaashworth5363]

Beautiful, horrifying & inspiring what an incredible woman & such a lesson in love.

[@christyg.8811]

Mama Zwadi truly is a Saint! Beautiful inside and out, I pray that God watches over her. I wish I could meet her and give her the biggest hug ❤

[@maritzasoto1035]

Que esta mujer tenga paz y amor rodeándola para siempre! Es una mujer poderosa, amable, y llena de amor, merece lo mejor! ❤️

[@angelahartman3272]

This makes me so F'ing angry, I can't even find the words. I'm seeing comments about smiling and being happy & I don't get it. BUT, I'm only half way through so I'm guessing some good things happen? I guess I will stay until the end because, my God, after hearing the horror this brave and amazing woman went through, I really need to see something here that will make my heart happy. I cannot believe what evil things humans are capable of. It sickens me hearing how baby apes become orphans, what they are forced to witness. Then hearing what humans do to other humans, I don't know. Are the words to describe such atrocities, the human suffering brought on by another human? If there are words for that, I can't find them. What I do know, or maybe just feel in my heart, is that this woman right here, telling her story to us, is so brave! Those people victimized her over and over & then after, the people that should have helped her, well, they victimized her all over again. Those people were really no better then the scum that beat & raped her & should be horribly ashamed of themselves. This woman was victimized, no doubt, but she is NOT a victim today. She is a survivor & she is so strong. I wish I could say that I'm even half as strong as her, but I know I'm not. I wish I could give her a hug. I will never forget her or her story of suffering that she so bravely shared with us. I hope the rest of her life is full of nothing but love & happiness. She truly deserves that at the very least! 💕💕💕

[@mcsmith732]

Nothing like critters when you've been grievously hurt by humans and you're still full of love.

[@lennarthagen3638]

Critters? Their primtes just like humans. Idiot.

[@lizmonard]

@@lennarthagen3638 you are the idiot if you couldn’t understand the comment.

[@mcsmith732]

@@lennarthagen3638 I think of myself as a critter. Human critters, Chimpanzee critters, Cat and Dog critters, Koala critters, Quokka critters, etc..., etc..., etc... We're all people one way or another. There are Tree people too. I'm not much into hierarchy.

[@tooakki]

@@lizmonard yeah but reffering to this beautiful Primate as a "Critter" is absolutely an idiotic statement, but we get the point.

[@cherylrain7909]

I am so so sorry what happened to this young woman. My heart bleeds for her!

[@lornabeckford5419]

My goodness 😳 Mama story, just heartbreaking, this makes me so 😔 But, it is Great to see her and the Chimps are finding ways to heal. Hats off to those two ladies at the Sanctuary...Continued Blessings 🙌 to All!

[@blueautumn5058]

OMG just how cruel cam people in chimp countries be, as seen here the chimps have encountered the cruelest of man and the most kind and motherly, but so have the humans so together they heal,

[@singergirlly]

Please Lord Jesus don’t let anything else happen to this woman please be with her always protector send your warrior angels to protect her for the rest of her life please in Jesus name I pray this for her.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@alipeacock3685]

Mama ZAWADI humbles me greatly and at the same time feel ashamed that , as humans beings there is so much evil in these so called mens hearts ..a true survivor , a warrior of the highest ! I salute you Mama ZAWADI , you have a beautiful smile and an exceptional soul ..that I pray is healing ❤️‍🩹 through her love for these poor animals who do not understand their fate x GOD BLESS YOU MAMA ZAWADI XX

[@willowdavies8498]

Mama... What an Amazing, Beautiful STRONG Woman. She is An Inspiration.

[@earlwest3502]

Such a beautiful compassionate person you are. Bless you and lovely creature!!

[@erin6735]

Mama zawadi is a strong woman, who has chosen to survive and help the chimps so both can have a joyous future. I thank the new Yorker at bringing this story to light. It brought me to tears at times but also brought me joy when seeing Mama laughing with the chimps. Healing for both.

[@mams631]

Pray for these women

[@Natasha-oz6ik]

Yes indeed!

[@emersondemathias]

Heartbreaking and inspiring! Healing a human life by nurturing wildlife. A tale of our times.

[@namitaitty]

Chimpanzees >>>>> Humans! I hope they help you heal, Mama! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Is there some way we too can help?

[@summerbrooks9922]

The best question. What can we do?

[@Lonerangel7177]

Ikr..so many want to help

[@brendahutcherson42]

So sad! Stop the war,the hate.Your Awesome Ma’am

[@nicolaslogothetis4735]

My god, human is capable of the best but, unfortunately, also of the worst; what you endured is terrible but today i hope that you are safe, and sometimes feel safe.

[@kathrynbellerose6216]

My heart broke for this beautiful women. She and the animals bonded out of their trauma.

[@EvonneLindiwe]

I have been to Kahuzi Biega. And saw a silverback and his family up close with a party of 5. It was a privilege.

[@SpringoStar]

She is a wonderful powerhouse of a woman. Someone should look into starting a gofundme for them... What an amazing woman...

[@nancyherbert6518]

That is such a wonderful idea, but with the world being what it is, how much of the money will get to her; to help her with her cause? Remember what happened in Haiti in 2010, because of greedy people?!! Thank you!

[@leechmiller1072]

She is such a strong woman. Giving back love after what happened to her, there are very few who could do that.

[@RobinHerzig]

Mama Zawadi's journey is terrifying yet life-affirming. She's found a way to thrive. I'm blown away.

[@louisebookman3069]

That was so beautiful her and her baby chimpanzee😇🤩😍🥰❣❤💯❤❣🙉💯❤ she's such a lovely person may God continue to be with her a whole beautiful family

[@c.ar.y.c9947]

Adorable petite cœur, 🙏🙏🙏🙏que dieu vous bénis, qu'elle femme courageuse, que dieu vous donne la force 🙏🙏💛💛💛💛💛🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@TheRandomINFJ]

I never feel totally at ease or safe with other humans, only with my 4-year old niece because she is pure. Not once has another being stomped on me or hurt me intentionally, only humans have. With animals and nature, I feel a perfect peace. They healed me too. When we learn to get back to our roots and reconnect with nature, humanity has a chance at redemption ❤

[@farahsummers1171]

This is incredibly beautiful. You have a gift for writing! ♡

[@TheRandomINFJ]

@@farahsummers1171 your comment was the incredibly beautiful part! Thank you so much, Farah ❤

[@kellywilkerson5641]

Some evil ppl don't seam to understand how sweet intelligent n Animals do feel pain n heartbreak I cry every time I see those horrible video how bad n mean some treat them there not ours to wear eat expierment on its so sad

[@catrinahartz944]

Amen! I love animals. God's beautiful creatures he gave us. ❤

[@brendakipkemoi2738]

Absolutely concur with you. Humans are problematic, evil even. Children and animals are pure. I feel safe only with my 5 year old daughter and dog, if pushing it my brother and sister. No one else. Fellow INFP here.

[@12235117657598502586]

Heartbreaking 💔😭 … I hope with all my soul that Congo finds peace soon. 🙏

[@sonjam314]

Thank you for sharing this story. One minute I was all smiles then my heart was aching for MAMA. What a precious woman she is and those babies adore her❤️❤️❤️

[@dianestephenson8528]

If they started castrating rapists, it would solve the problem. It’s a mystery to me why they don’t do the obvious; remove the weapon of horror and trauma. De-weaponize the offenders by castrating them. This would be a deterrent to a crime that traumatizes and many times destroys the lives of countless women. Let the punishment fit the crime. It would me a mercy to all.

[@valleach9862]

I wish I could hug and hold you mama. You sweet woman. May God hold and take your pain away. Bless you.

[@celestebenamara6606]

What an Amazing woman. Her Love and kindness is saintly. I'm saving this video it helps to to see tough times in a very different perspective. What an amazing lovely human being.

[@sineadwhelehan1755]

Everyone alive should watch this. What a wonderful testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit... of women... and a profound example of the power of love. Beautiful story. Thank you.

[@juneahernauthor]

I cried when she told her horrific past and to see this beautiful woman smile, through my tears I had to smile. I wish her much happiness as she brings her babies.

[@jennylock5667]

God bless her her monkey s are her joy and strength people need to open their eyes about these poor women instead of going on about crap xx

[@sleepingphoenix1281]

Apes. Not monkeys. Chimpanzees hunt and eat monkeys.

[@Stylegirl_911]

This is heartbreaking 💔

[@isabellenicaud3725]

Que Dieu les protège tous, humains bienveillants et chimpanzés !

[@carolinejobe9346]

so beautiful thanks, we have to remember there are good humans in this crazy world

[@patsmith5947]

I don’t know how she can walk holding all of them.

[@europianbob]

Practice and love!

[@Juuk-D]

Amazing quality, it should have way more viewers.... It probably will when people find it.

[@saharasabur549]

I am so sorry she had to go through this wickedness, Most High give her strength to pull through.

[@alexiahill]

MY heart breaks for her and other victims Jesus this s a cruel world

[@louiseupton3363]

Mama Zawadi I pray 🙏🏻that you and your baby Chimpanzees will be forever safe and very carefully protected!!! Be blessed always precious soul 🙏🏻

[@GuyG.KTalesOfAnimals]

I didn’t knew there were still chimps in Congo, good to know. Very admirable job.

[@CraftsandMorewithDonnaJackson]

What a beautiful heart wrenching story. I too am a champion for chimps. These women are so brave and self sacrificing. I hope one day women and chimps will be valued and protected. God bless you all.

[@vielkadenerson2534]

This amazing lady has an amazing smile but more than amazing is her heart , full of compassion and love , a heart full of love after all because to be compassionate the love has to be there , my respects for this extraordinary woman that restores my faith in humanity !

[@sharondingley7172]

The chimpanzees and Mama Zawadi both needed love, and they found it in each other. What a sad but wonderful story. I wish them all the best for the future. 💖😥

[@Nicole-de4nx]

This is so heartbreaking, she is a strong beautiful woman!

[@teresahardy5895]

We have to witness all the pain before the peace comes

[@jonnylumberjack6223]

What does that even mean? She HAD to go through what she did? I absolutely despise this kind of trite nonsense. It sounds nice but means absolutely nothing. This woman's traumas are not going to provide peace to anyone.

[@europianbob]

I hate anyone who hurts animals!

[@joanncoopertroupe3506]

Same here!

[@susanrichardson5568]

we truly do not realize what well lived lives we have....I am humbled by this story

[@BeingGraceDivine]

exactly,

[@stormy439]

Thankyou for being such a WONDERFUL MAMA!

[@sophiaatkinson4721]

I felt so very bad for this lady. May God please continue to heal this lady's pain.

[@deborahnieling2315]

That really got to me, made me cry a river, the evil of mankind, the beauty of healing between the chimps who are innocent as well and also traumatized and this beautiful woman! You can feel a part of the trauma and you can feel the love between the chimp babies and Mama Zawadi! How they heal each other is one of the most precious and beautiful things I have seen in a long time! I am still crying, but I want to send Mama Zawadi and the chimp babies the biggest hug of all times! Beautiful, beautiful Documentary! 🤗💖🤗❤️❤️😘😘🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@cherylrain7909]

I feel so bad for them! Bless this woman for helping them!

[@brendamanning5235]

I am so glad this lady has something to make her smile,so much suffering,my heart hurts for her.Stay well Mama Zawadi. U.S.A.

[@thornil2231]

The US is partly responsible for that with the French and the Belgians..

[@brendamanning5235]

I would not doubt that,we are envolved in much around the world.

[@megz2151]

God bless mama zwadi and mamma Lorena !

[@empressh6960]

My heart hurts and is so broken for her. She’s so traumatized that even when she cries, she does it in a silent way. 🙏🏾

[@alicehatter4973]

What a powerful story....

[@TheMitchmills]

What an amazing woman. May the rest of her life be filled with healthy happy baby chimpanzees.

[@memories511]

What a strong women she is. WOW. Wishing her continued healing and blessings with the monkeys.

[@brendahutcherson42]

If this doesn’t make you Smile and your Soul Happy Nothing will. May God Richly Bless You❤️♥️

[@marysebrun5624]

Mama Zawadi, vous êtes une femme très courageuse. Une maman aimante pour les bébés chimpanzés et vous vous apportez mutuellement la joie, le bonheur et la résilience. Je vous envoie plein de ❤ ainsi qu'à toute l'équipe et bien sûr à vos petits protégés.

[@evasosa9969]

A very strong lady, with big heart. Thanks for sharing your sad story. It sure moves our hearts...and tears.

[@sharity3289]

All you have to say is "chimpanzee", and my 70 year old father always responds with, "they'll tear your nuts off!". 😂 Sometimes we say it just to get a good laugh!

[@Aangel452]

How beautiful the love you have for these beautiful creatures of God that only want love, security cuddles and affection, is so heartwarming. I love it that you are teaching them there traits as monkeys in the wild, like looking for fleas on each other. Your love and respect for these beautiful chimps is a testimony to how all our children need to be cared for.😇 Bless You

[@LK-dx2oq]

What a beautiful lady. Such a good heart. So sorry to hear her tragic story. She’s right. The past is the past. Still, how does a person deal with what she has gone through? It makes me happy to see she’s found something that brings her joy and the knowledge she’s helping the chimps. My best to her.

[@genevieve7733]

Ce monde souffre vraiment d'un gros déficit d'Humanité! Je me sens sonnée, choquée par l'extrême cruauté qui se manifeste chez certains individus.... Et oui, l'Amour est la clé. Là maintenant, j'ai le coeur rempli d'Amour pour cette merveilleuse femme si courageuse et ses petits protégés. Je leur souhaite le meilleur. Paix, Amour, Joie

[@wisterianursery5643]

i find this so sad to see. in a supposed civilised world that people can treat an amazing lady like this in this way, and my heart goes out to her and all the people treated in this way.

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

And they do this while facing their own horrific traumas.