Chimpanzee

Located in the Ivory Coast, Taï National Park is one of West Africa's most important reserves for primates and other wildlife. Its dense rainforest provides a lush, resource-rich habitat where chimpanzee communities forage for fruits, nuts and figs and use simple tools to access food. The park's remote, forested terrain shapes the daily life and survival strategies of Oscar's troop.

💪 Survival

The story frames survival as a daily struggle, showing Oscar learning to find food, defend against rivals, and cope with the loss of his mother. The narrative highlights resourcefulness, adaptation, and the persistence required to endure in a dangerous jungle. Through imitation and experimentation, Oscar begins to chart his own path within a threatened world.

👪 Family & Mentorship

Oscar's early education is shaped by his mother Isha, whose teachings guide his initial behavior and survival instincts. After her death, mentorship emerges in unexpected forms, culminating in Freddy's protective bond with the orphaned chimp. The film explores how attachment, care, and guidance influence growth in a social species.

🤝 Unity & Leadership

Freddy's leadership of his group demonstrates how collective action and social harmony enable a troop to withstand aggression from rivals. The alliance between Freddy and Oscar illustrates how mentorship can bridge gaps between generations and roles within a troop. The unity of the group contrasts with the disarray caused by external threats.

💔 Loss & Resilience

Isha's probable death leaves Oscar adrift and searching for belonging, testing his resilience and will to survive. The narrative follows his emotional journey as he processes grief while seeking a surrogate caregiver and place within the troop. Through adversity, Oscar's character evolves, highlighting the resilience of young primates in the face of loss.