An abused chimpanzee named Trudy, who was saved with the help of a Daily Mail campaign, has celebrated her 30th birthday at Monkey World sanctuary in Dorset. She was just 18 months old in 1998 when she was rescued from a circus family who kept her in a box, kicked her and whipped her with a riding crop.
Circus trainer Mary Chipperfield was convicted of 12 counts of cruelty to the young chimp but escaped with a fine of £8,500. Although Trudy was placed in the care of Monkey World, Chipperfield's lawyers sought to take her away again, prompting the Mail to launch a campaign in January 1999 to keep her safe.
The cause was backed by Sir David Attenborough, the late primatologist Dr Jane Goodall and French actress Brigitte Bardot. Nearly 200,000 Daily Mail readers wrote in support, forcing Mary Chipperfield Promotions to back down, stating it would not be in Trudy's best interests to return her.
Experts found Trudy was missing tips from several fingers and toes due to abuse. She was an emotional wreck and did not recognise other chimpanzees as the same species. Over the years, specialist care helped her transition to living with a large adopted family of 17 other primates.
Dr Alison Cronin, director of Monkey World, said: 'It is hard to believe that we are celebrating Trudy's 30th birthday. Today is a celebration of her resilience and the power of rehabilitation.' Trudy celebrated with special treats and a live-stream on the sanctuary's social media page, receiving over 500 birthday wishes.
