After an extraordinary journey to the Republic of Congo to be in the field with Dr. Jane Goodall and the rescued chimpanzee orphans at Tchimpounga, artist Becci Crowe was inspired to create portraits which express the uniqueness of character and life of each individual.
Dr. Goodall secured La Vieille's rescue from dire circumstances in 1992 and Becci was moved as she watched this now elderly chimpanzee being a surrogate mother to the youngest orphans. La Vieille's portrait is created in Pen & Ink Pointillism and Watercolor.
It is dedicated to the strong bond between Dr. Goodall and La Vieille and benefits the mission and programs of the Jane Goodall Institute. The spirit of La Vieille lives on in Becci's portrait and the original piece hangs at the headquarters of the Jane Goodall Institute.