Escape to Chimp Eden 2 premieres on 16 November at 18:15 on Animal Planet (Dstv Channel 264).

Last year, Animal Planet introduced viewers to South African chimpanzee rescuer, Eugene Cussons. This year, Cussons returns as Animal Planet follows his rescue missions and introduce chimps who are taking their first steps within Chimp Eden. While integrating the new arrivals at the chimp sanctuary, Cussons picks up where we left off with crucial storylines from the first series.

“Call it fate, call it divine intervention, but I felt drawn to the cause from the first time I heard the problems chimps were facing universally throughout Africa,” says Cussons. “We have chimps that have been rescued at different stages – some directly from the hunter; some from bush-meat markets; and many from just really neglectful situations.”

Yet, even in the first hour of series two, Eugene experiences setbacks as tragically a chimp dies. “I always knew that we were going to lose a chimp at some point, but it was the most unlikely chimp to die,” says Cussons, describing sorrow and shock he felt.

Escape to Chimp Eden 2 builds on the real-life drama from last season as we meet new residents like Lily; Martha; and Charles, and catch up on the progress of the already infamous Jao; Cozi; Josephine; Sampa; and Tony.