Meet Tambaby – The Gentle Soul Who Taught Me the Meaning of Love and Trust 🩷🦍
There are some animals you meet in life who change you forever. For me, one of those souls is Tambaby — a beautiful, gentle, and deeply loving gorilla who has become not only a dear friend but also a daily reminder of why I do what I do.
Tambaby is one of the most affectionate and emotionally intelligent beings I have ever known. She has a warmth about her that instantly melts your heart, a calm presence that makes you feel completely safe, and a gaze so full of wisdom that you can almost hear her speaking without words. I have known her my whole life, and over the years, we have built a relationship founded purely on love, patience, and trust — nothing more, nothing less.
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A Life Built on Compassion
Tambaby lives at our rescue sanctuary here in the UK — a place that has always been a safe haven for wildlife in need. Many of the animals who come here have faced unimaginable challenges. Some were orphaned, others rescued from the illegal pet trade, or taken from captivity after years of mistreatment.
Tambaby’s story is a little different. She was rescued decades ago and has spent most of her life under human care. She’s now too old to be rewilded, but that doesn’t mean she’s any less deserving of freedom, love, or joy. At her age, Tambaby has found peace and comfort here at the sanctuary, where she is surrounded by those who adore her and understand her.
Every single day, we make sure she has everything she could ever need — nutritious food, enrichment activities, open green spaces, and most importantly, meaningful companionship. But Tambaby has given us so much more in return.
The Power of Trust
Building a natural bond with a gorilla is not something that happens overnight. It takes time — years, sometimes decades — of gentle interaction, observation, and deep respect for their boundaries. With Tambaby, everything developed slowly and naturally.
She was cautious at first, studying me carefully, her intelligent eyes never missing a thing. I never forced her to do anything — no demands, no expectations. Just quiet presence and patience. Eventually, she began to trust me. She started to approach on her own, sometimes sitting close by, sometimes reaching out to gently touch my hand. Over time, that mutual understanding grew into a relationship that feels as natural and genuine as any I’ve known.
It’s not about control or dominance — it’s about connection. True, pure connection. And that’s the foundation of everything we do at our sanctuary.
A Sanctuary Built on Love and Trust
Our philosophy has always been simple: animals deserve to live as naturally as possible, surrounded by love, not confinement. We believe in relationships built on respect — never force, never fear. That’s why our work has always been so focused on rewilding — giving animals the chance to return to the freedom of the wild whenever possible.
We are the only people in the world who have ever successfully sent gorillas back to the wild — a fact that fills me with immense pride and gratitude every single day. To date, nearly 80 gorillas have been rewilded through our projects, along with almost 2,000 other animals across species. Each one represents a story of hope, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the power of second chances. 🌍❤️🔥
Watching a gorilla step back into the forest — feeling the earth beneath their feet, the sun on their back, and the wind through the trees — is the most powerful thing you can witness. It’s life coming full circle. It’s freedom restored.
Tambaby’s Forever Home
But not every gorilla can return to the wild. Tambaby, for instance, is simply too old. After a lifetime in human care, it would be unfair — and unsafe — to send her to fend for herself. So, instead, we make sure her “forever home” here is as close to paradise as possible.
Her days are filled with gentle routines — mornings in the sunshine, afternoons exploring her spacious enclosure, and evenings resting in the quiet company of her trusted caretakers. She still plays, still laughs in her own gorilla way, and still shows immense affection to those she knows and loves.
When I sit with her, I often think about what she’s seen, what she’s experienced, and how strong she is. Despite everything, she radiates love. She chooses to trust. That, to me, is one of the most beautiful things about animals — their ability to forgive, to heal, and to love unconditionally.
Tambaby may not live in the wild, but she is certainly free — free from fear, from pain, and from loneliness. And that’s all I could ever wish for her. 🩷
The Lessons Tambaby Taught Me
Every day with Tambaby teaches me something new. She’s reminded me of the importance of patience — that real trust takes time. She’s shown me that communication doesn’t always need words — sometimes it’s a look, a gesture, or just shared silence.
But perhaps the most important lesson she’s taught me is this: love and respect can bridge any divide. It doesn’t matter that we’re from different species. What matters is the connection — the mutual understanding that we’re both living beings deserving of care and compassion.
When I look into Tambaby’s eyes, I see not just a gorilla, but a teacher, a friend, and a living testament to everything we stand for at our sanctuary.
A Future Filled with Hope
Our work doesn’t stop here. Every animal we rescue, every gorilla we rewild, and every sanctuary we maintain is part of a bigger mission — to restore balance to the natural world and prove that coexistence is possible.
Tambaby may never return to the forests of Africa, but her legacy is alive in every gorilla we’ve released back to the wild. Her story inspires us to keep going, to keep fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves, and to never forget that every single life — no matter how small, old, or broken — is worth saving.
And as I sit beside her, feeling her gentle hand rest against mine, I’m reminded once again why this work matters so deeply. It’s not about fame or recognition. It’s about love. Pure, unconditional love — the kind that animals like Tambaby give so freely.
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To Tambaby, With Love
Tambaby isn’t just one of the most loving gorillas I’ve ever met — she’s one of the most loving souls, full stop. She has taught me that compassion knows no limits, that trust can be rebuilt, and that love — in its truest form — is the most powerful force on earth.
So, here’s to you, Tambaby — for everything you’ve given, everything you’ve taught, and everything you represent. You may not be able to return to the wild, but you’ll forever live in the hearts of everyone you’ve touched.
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