Rescued Lebanese chimpanzee starts new life in Brazil. Twelve-year-old Omega, who was rescued from a regional zoo by animal welfare group Animals Lebanon, has been welcomed at his new permanent home at Vargem Grande Paulista Sanctuary in São Paulo, Brazil. Omega, who had previously spent a decade of his life locked up in a barren cage, has never climbed a tree or interacted with another of his own kind, and also is being rehabilitated from having been taught to smoke cigarettes at an early age to entertain people. Animals Lebanon was able to work cooperatively with the owner of the zoo, who voluntarily closed the operation, and the other formerly captive animals have also been successfully re-homed.

What a wonderful achievement, Animals Lebanon, as we also send appreciation for the safe haven provided by Vargem Grande Paulista Sanctuary. Wishing Omega a wonderful life of much deserved happiness and that all cherished animal co-inhabitants may enjoy natural and respected lives to fulfill their God-given roles on this planet.