Vanilla the chimp, caged for entire life, sees sky for first time in heartwarming video

[@NYCRocker]

I can't stop crying, the way she looked up at the sky. Beautiful little being, may you always be happy and loved as you always should have been.

[@annaverano5843]

Me too .I just want to give vanilla a big hug and tell her I'm sorry that some humans treated her so badly 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@bitburg40]

@@_AllMight23 Does she have to specify that she’d like to skip the face being ripped off as part of her fantasy? That seems obvious to me. 😂

[@AsiralcEarth]

AGREED.

[@saraht282]

Oh my goodness, her little face, thank you for rescuing her. Bless her heart.

[@dundar198]

They didnt rescue her they used her as an experiment...

[@aeg_lover]

Heartwarming but sad at the same time! No animal should be caged especially for their entire life!

[@jonm3131]

Go vegan

[@lorraineorr2821]

Amen!! Curses to each and every guilty person, how dare you call yourself human, each one who contributed to this poor soul living in a cage. Let each of us who have hearts and souls pray that those guilty of contributing to this find their karma as they reap what they chose to sew. May they each spend eternity in a dark 5 by 5 cage.

[@jincs151]

@@jonm3131 Vegans do absolutely nothing for this chimp.

[@sushitraxh6736]

@@jonm3131 I eat meat especially farm animals bred for consumption throughout the years of human history, but I don't eat chimpanzee, does that mean I am vegan because I support freedom for all enclosed animal that are supposed to be in the wild? here's another one, don't get shocked, I don't eat lions and tigers

[@263malice]

The got it lucky. They don’t have to deal with capitalism, politics, and warfare. I might have to go in there with them.

[@wanagi006]

I could literally watch her all day. When she jumps into Dwyane's arms smiling her big smile, then looking up in awe. She actually looks like she says WOW when she looks up. I love this .

[@williamray4512]

Dwight

[@ejtattersall156]

And then he follows her: "Wait, wait, I want to show you something, you ain't seen nothin yet, look, look, look!"

[@wanagi006]

@@ejtattersall156 Singing in chimpese : "Buh, buh, but Baby,,you just ain't seen nothin' yet!!! " 😀

[@ejtattersall156]

@@wanagi006 :D :D :D :D :D :D

[@Alexandra_Wolf]

*This is a reflection of our society. How we treat children and animals is a direct reflection of our society. The people who saved her are hero’s. This is a really sad because there are SO MANY dogs and chimps and monkeys and bunnies right now trapped.*

[@tod5098]

you're going to have to give up your makeup and medicine if you want it to stop.

[@Alexandra_Wolf]

@@tod5098 there are tons of cruelty free products for makeup. And I only support those brands. And not all medicine is tested using barbaric standards that are non longer ethically acceptable and maybe laws have changed. I try not to take anything I don’t need unless it’s life or death. It’s not the hard. As far as makeup and fashion. Medicine isn’t something most people can control sadly.

[@bubbagasm1]

@@WINCHESTER-ox8smyeah, animals are much smarter than children!

[@freeman8128]

An apostrophe (') indicates either posession or omission. Thus: "the people who saved her are HEROES" - (plural) no apostrophy.

[@barbarabruce7648]

​@@tod5098Plant food is my medicine.

[@jamiegaurich-ip2mr]

Heartwarming to see Vanilla see the sky for the first time. Heartbreaking to think how she has spent her entire life until now. It's sad how little compassion and humanity there is in this world.

[@TheTracepyott]

That hug in the beginning is just priceless.

[@rockandroller8352]

❤

[@rockandroller8352]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥🙉🙉🙉🙉🙉🙉🙉🙉

[@AsiralcEarth]

AGREED.

[@DropDeadFred887]

❤ no animal should spend its life in a cage , lovely video

[@edd30t4vw2]

It's enough to bring tears to your eyes. Humans do such amazing things and also such terrifying things. A strange world we live in.

[@anaclaudiaalves9714]

Verdade

[@marcodallolio9746]

It's always been the case. Angels and demons in the same body

[@lisakellerman7701]

This video really makes me cry with joy, especially from 0:01 - 0:10. It's so heartwarming. This hug and how she looks up at the sky and thinks: "Wow!". She is so happy and is so overwhelmed by the sight. I wish Vanilla many more beautiful years full of freedom and happiness and joy and health ♥️ I would be happy to see a video of her from time to time 🙂

[@pamelamyers-langley1858]

This is so beautiful! The way he caught her when she jumped down! And at .10 seconds when he starts tapping on her like, "Hey! Hey! Come check this out!" I'm crying they were abused, and I'm crying at their reactions to freedom, I hope they have nothing but joy for the rest of their lives!! And the people that did the testing.....well, they should be placed in isolated cages with the same tests run on them. IMO.

[@PaleHorse68]

I had the HONOR of working at Save the Chimps in 2009-2010 when I first moved to Florida. This place is hard to describe. Mere words don't do it justice. Dignity, safety and freedom abound here. All more than well deserved. The staff are driven by love, not money or fame. I will always look upon my brief time with these amazing animals and equally amazing people as the best experience of my life.

[@RobinLove-su8mb]

❤

[@jonn40853]

Your a true badass

[@etool4355]

Seeing a fully grown animal look at the sky for the first time is actually heartbreaking.

[@maximilliancunningham6091]

And the expression, 99.99% that of a human, to which we naturally recognize and relate.

[@AsiralcEarth]

AGREED.

[@jordanrivera8174]

look how she looks at the sky, you can tell how joy entered the heart.

[@rashmi227]

It felt like seeing a person wrongly jailed for many years. It actually made me sad to imagine how life must have been for this mute innocent animal in the cage. How can educated scientists doing research come up with such a horrible thing! Disappointed in humanity.

[@craigfellows1641]

You ain’t seen nothing yet

[@fungoidal]

I love how similar the reaction she has is to what would be the reaction of a human in a similar situation. She’s literally in visible awe which is so amazing to see.

[@ozzy6944]

This brings tears to my eyes. They are sooooo excited to be out for the first time. They were hugging each other and being there for each other

[@vjenkins6815]

Watching Vanilla embrace her sister and then look up to the sky literally brought tears of joy and pain to my eyes. After hearing about the atrocious "research" that Vanilla and those chimpanzees endured, "Rise of the Planet of The Apes" comes to mind.

[@freeman8128]

Vanilla is not embracing her sister, she is embracing an older male friend who was first to leave and encouraged her to join him.

[@bustercrabbe8447]

Look at the big alpha male hugging her. He has a big proud look on his face as he comforts her as Vanilla walks awe-stricken by her sight of the sky. I am very happy for Vanilla.

[@tfp0052]

This is so incredibly sad. Very intelligent animals should never be caged! They're smart enough to know that they are in a cage, even a gilded cage is still a cage. This amounts to mental cruelty!

[@truthbknwn]

@@burnaardnufc3173 If you're in a coma, you aren't conscious of your surroundings and don't even know where you are. But these animals are fully aware - which makes it all the more CRUEL.

[@MrUnknownian]

​@@burnaardnufc3173did we read the same thing lol??

[@kathyyeary5798]

No animal should be caged!

[@doegirl5246]

My heart literally melted. Bless her loving heart,I had happy and sad tears for her. Sad tears cuz she had been caged up for so many years and never getting to see outside,that person should be locked up in a cage and happy tears cuz the look of joy she had on her face when she saw the sky for the first time. She is so blessed now for she has people that will care for her and give her the love she deserves and she will never have to see the inside of a cage ever again.❤❤❤

[@diegovillalobos5364]

28 years in a cage? So inhumane

[@AsiralcEarth]

AGREED.

[@deanobeano6183]

The absolute joy on her face is heart warming

[@mispup]

When she looked at the sky, she looked like she said wow!

[@loriminnesota]

What horrible cruelty humans inflict on these poor animals. We should all be very ashamed of ourselves for allowing it to CONTINUE to happen.

[@diegovillalobos5364]

Oh I am ashamed of being a human... I truly am

[@TheOneManWhoBeatYou]

Why would I be ashamed of something I'm not involved in?

[@benishan3]

@@diegovillalobos5364Kept in American lab, why should I be ashamed? I'm not American.

[@mirri.mirri.on.the.wall.]

​@TheOneManWhoBeatYou the products that are purchased by humans are tested on these innocent creatures

[@whimsygrove9971]

I don't know where you're from but if you think these labs don't exist in your own country, you're being willfully ignorant. This stuff is happening everywhere in the world at every second. And yes we all should absolutely be ashamed of it. If you are watching this and aren't feeling absolute DISGUST at how this chimp was treated, that is very troubling. Perhaps you would be better suited somewhere else, instead of trolling a very sweet and moving video, just to complain about not being American. (As if that has to do with anything.)

[@crystalhill8063]

Absolute disgrace how we treat animals

[@markrosenquist8259]

Wow! Incredible! That hug was beautiful. Poor thing.

[@SaysWho1013]

I can watch this 1000 times and it would make me cry every single time

[@cynthiarogers2904]

. *THERE MUST BE A SPECIAL PLACE IN HEAVEN FOR THOSE WHO HELP ANIMALS IN NEED.*

[@DavidBrown-dj7tw]

The easiest way to see a 76 year old man shed a tear? Show him this video. Welcome to the real world little one.

[@ruthsmith2367]

Oh her eyes at 0.06 priceless. The one giving her a hug and the one patting her arm saying look look it’s ok ❤️ I hope she has a very happy life ❤️

[@freeman8128]

I have watched this many times and continue to watch it, it is very moving. It is sad that people can be so cruel to obviously sensitive, intelligent animals such as these. Fascinating animals in spite of their horrible rear ends. Their natural home is among trees, that is why they instinctively congregate at the wooden structure.

[@mikestyslinger5440]

Haha the friend is like "bro, I told ya! I told ya! See! That's the sky!" Freaking adorable.

[@kathyyeary5798]

All those years without ever seeing daylight. What a shame. Look how grateful and beautiful she is when she come outside. ❤

[@stephaniecothren2702]

She's so happy now. I hope more can be saved. It's a shame that humans treat animals so horrifically.

[@beverleyreid7572]

Look at the way they embrace each other.

[@Mr.SugarFoot]

That is so awesome! If you need an uplifting this is it!❤😂🎉thank you so much…….it’s really cool to see how the other chimps enticed her to come out! I can’t wait to show my neighbors and my parents…please keep everyone updated!

[@VanMichael21]

The person or people who caged this chimp the whole time is pure evil, whoever it is will get their karma for such cruelty i am sure of that. Anyone who cages any animal like that their entire life is just a pure heartless n cruel person.

[@beverleyreid7572]

I agree. Who would do such a thing? (A human).

[@gloryshadow8710]

​@@beverleyreid7572Elon Musk has labs which torture animals for experiments.

[@tod5098]

@@beverleyreid7572 a scientist trying to make meds to save human lives?

[@Brady.koch1]

This is so sad but so touching at the same time. How they hug her when she comes out and it almost looks like they’re showing her around.

[@sylvanmoney]

They are

[@AddBowIfGirl]

The way that she and her friend/family greeted eachother with a hug is even more heartwarming than her gaze of awe into the sky. So sad and beautiful. Caged for 28 years???!!! I was sure that that was a mistake in the original headline I read, and that they actually meant *days or *weeks. But year??? How cruel.

[@whoathatsanicememe3093]

Aww...so incredibly sweet to see her outside and enjoying the company of her other Chimpanzee friends...I hope she enjoys the rest of her life at peace and surrounded by love.❤❤❤

[@rhondag6635]

Look at them they’re so social. It’s like hey buddy haven’t seen you in a bit.

[@sallybannister6224]

I love your comment ❤️ Hey Buddy ,!! just so right ✅️

[@mok9785]

This is crime against mother nature! Human kind is wrong this ! capturing these poor beings ! We need a justice for all beings!

[@connys5567]

Humans should be deeply ashamed of themselfs for even tolerate that the most innocent creatures on the planet are used/ abused for their Selfishness . Its long past due that the animals get the rights and protecting law they deserve.

[@rockandroller8352]

This is a great comment🦍

[@lyndamac1058]

It is infuriating that in 2023 these chimps are still being abused and used in the most dreadful ways. It's always brilliant when some are saved but these laboratories need to be closed down.

[@taneiap4962]

Right. This may sound extreme but I think we should stop experimenting on animals and instead experiment on people who are jailed that have done the most horrible things.

[@LushLover23]

That's terrible what those monkeys went through ...I'm so glad they are in a better place now. . Anyone that could infect and drug them knowing they are healthy really has issues.

[@pennyrose3882]

This is so sad to me! 28 years in a cage!

[@rockandroller8352]

SO CRUEL whoever DID THIS should go to prison for life and never see the sun again

[@jenniferhonore1132]

This is so beautiful! Vanilla’s beautiful happy smile going outside for the first time ! I love ❤️ it!! Thank you 🙏🏻 for rescuing God’s precious animals. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@fabiothehallereffect1735]

so sad that there are many still living horrible lives kidnapped and tortured by us humans

[@jessediaz1293]

It’s a bittersweet moment. 😢Poor chimps, they will always see skies and trees and everything now.

[@RedKrow]

Anyone who can see her reaction and deny that animals have thoughts and feelings same as humans is just determined to not acknowledge it. Her joy and appreciation for companionship & freedom is undeniable.

[@fritzvolz1640]

She almost reached her expected lifespan, at least the last few years will be happy ones.

[@annaverano5843]

Their lifespans in the wild are 30 yrs and captivity is 70 yrs . I just googled it because it made me sad that she would only have a few more years to live but was happy to find out they can live to 70 . Hopefully vanilla will have many many years to look up at the sky and feel the grass as she is free to run , walk, climb and play in the sun 🥰

[@fritzvolz1640]

@@annaverano5843 She suffered her whole life, and unfortunately will probably only live a few short years.

[@lesliemiller2170]

I support save the chimps as well as the elephant sanctuary, ironwood pig sanctuary, best friends and great lakes rabbit sanctuary. All organizations which spend the money on needy animals.

[@gus5417]

Humans can be cruel and evil.

[@benishan3]

American =/= all humans.

[@DoGooder13]

The worst that man can do to animals and the best man can do for animals.

[@johnmacri7440]

After they robbed her of her life. I hate people. End animal exploitation

[@PatrickRyan150]

Humans can be so inhumane. This poor chimp should never have been kept all those years in the terrible conditions.

[@cashandcultureconcepts-ds8kk]

Really? Is no one really going to talk about the fact that a chimp ran to a chimp for a hug and then mouthed wow when seeing the sky for the first time??

[@molossergirl2]

Aww bless her, she must have thought she had died and gone to heaven. Her little face says it all and how disgusting we humans are at times towards animals. Little girl, we are not all monsters, I love all animals and respect all life forms. 😭

[@bruceleena2214]

This made me cry. I am so happy for them

[@theboyy21]

We were put in this earth to take care of it. We are only disturbing it and all the wonderful animals in it

[@linjubar]

The things humans do to these poor animals. I’m so happy this group made it out.

[@Echo4Bravo]

@0:11 That dude is like nudging him making contact like bro it's cool, I want to show you everything!

[@gabbycarter965]

The way in each they hugged each other!

[@buttaflybex3872]

beyond beautiful 🥹 and they all accepted her 🥳🥰

[@DeborahPerryPiscione]

We need legislation to limit the time these chimps and all animals who endure the cruelty of being a lab tester! Disgusting that Vanilla was locked up for 28 years - shame on us!

[@mikeoxlong4110]

Anyone locking Animals up needs execution.

[@rockandroller8352]

you're so right

[@DeniseWaghorn-ok2gj]

Beautiful vanilla being released an seeing sky for the first time ❤❤

[@billbixby557]

Thank you, thank you, thank you...🏞️

[@BrianCarnevaleB26]

Time to put an end to treating these highly intelligent animals as lab rats!

[@Partyanimal1066]

Lovely.

[@jefvids1987]

love his face just like a human so much expression love it

[@lynnekaluzniak1894]

Thankfully someone saved her

[@user-fz1en8ew9z]

Man the look on her face is heart breaking, poor girl I hope the rest of your days are nothing but amazing. I’m so sorry is humans are so terrible

[@connienewkirk4595]

Bless her heart. 🙏

[@wingberry123]

It's cute how chimps also hug each other. And her reaction to the sky. 😢

[@vallee3140]

Looked like they were having a nice little tea party bless them, thanks for what you do.

[@MA_808]

this is not heartwarming to me, it is heartbreaking....I have never met a single person whose life has more value than one of these chimpanzees.

[@jmmontinola1403]

As humans progress, we hurt other living beings. Thank you for bringing happiness to Vanilla and others.

[@maggiewalshkahlout6364]

This absolutely broke my heart 😢 his face says it all , the things we humans do - why 😭

[@magdalenasteplewski3963]

Very heartwarming how they support each other. Showing her around helping safely land on the ground. Amazing

[@KJ-qc3qd]

Nice to see they get some room, hate see them at the zoo engaged.

[@MrSpock-ww3qt]

Caged for entire life? pathetic. Even our worst criminals get to see daylight.

[@51515123]

Humans can be cruel and evil. Her reaction was adorable. No one should ever have to spend their life trapped in a cage. I'm so happy for her.❤

[@benishan3]

American =/= all humans.

[@paulasayers2852]

So sad yet so sweet

[@理都子佐々木]

感動しかありません、幸せになってほしいですね🎉❤

[@onceuponatimeintoronto891]

It's sounds like she said "coming out!" then looked around like a little kid with that face, 28 yrs, half my life she spent inside a cage, I've did and saw so much by the time I hit 28, can't imagine her joy. and some ppl think they had a tough childhood. Never complaining again about not having this or that growing up or how someone treated or abused me, she forgot all her past in 5 seconds something to take from this story.

[@MC-of7ow]

I cant get over the human like hug at the beginning, and the look of amazement when she saw the sky. Truly beautiful!!

[@rjohn171987]

This shows animals do have a heart, and emotions. We humans are sometimes cruel to them..

[@rubyperera8926]

Her reactions are just like a human got out of jail. The way she looks up in to the sky with amazement is so sad. Glad she is free now

[@2BigFooted]

I hope those previous owners are in jail themselves! This is absolutely animal abuse and should be met with harsh consequences. People are disgusting!

[@TheNiquenique]

Heartbreaking 💔so happy for her!

[@Dpat14]

One day we will all be gone .....and every other species will be happy

[@irenehoward2721]

The most beautiful thing I've seen.

[@Vercippu]

Heartbreaking to know animals are locked up like that for decades.

[@pla5730]

😢😢 😭😭 ❤❤ seeing the wide open sky and being accepted by Dwight the alpha male chimp is so emotional for me.. may she live the rest of her life in happiness.. the closest to freedom 🙏 she can have.

[@wUusa83]

Most of humanity does not deserve any other end as described in Planet of the Apes. No life has the right to rule over another in this way.

[@craigfellows1641]

Revelations 8:7

[@TheRealDeal130]

😪😪😪😪😪😪😪. Love to Vanilla, may the rest of your days be happy and peaceful ❤.

[@CheckMate-sh5ei]

I just cried. This is just beautiful ❤❤🎉

[@johnjacobsen4003]

No, it's tragic and you are part of it, being human..

[@CheckMate-sh5ei]

@@johnjacobsen4003 mate I’m a very big activist and you breathing is being apart of it. Grow up 😂😂

[@asiacallier1]

This is heartbreaking

[@oilyshoes9969]

so adorable, what a sweetheart