Kate Mara was accompanied by her loved ones as she participated in a significant cause. On Wednesday, Dec. 4, in West Hollywood, California, the actress was joined by her husband Jamie Bell and sister Rooney Mara. This event was the Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue & Protection (LCRP) reception.

"Kate Mara's Heartfelt Connection with Chimpanzee Rescue"

Attire and Group Cohesion

Kate, 41, and Bell coordinated their outfits in dark-colored attire. The Chappaquiddick actress donned a black blazer-style jacket, while her Rocketman actor husband, 38, wore a black suit jacket over a dark T-shirt. Rooney, 39, was similarly dressed, smiling in a shot with her sister in a dark blazer over a white shirt as they embraced for the camera. This showed the unity and shared commitment among them.The organization, LCRP, oversees the care of rescue chimps that were previously used in lab experiments or were victims of illegal bushmeat and pet trades. With over 100 orphaned chimpanzees, mostly still babies or children, currently under their care, it plays a crucial role in chimpanzee conservation.

Longtime Advocacy and Personal Experiences

Kate and Rooney are long-time advocates of the group. In 2018, they traveled to Liberia to learn more about the work of Jim and Jenny Desmond, the founders of LCRP in West Africa. Kate distinctly remembered her first encounter with the chimps. She said, "They’re very similar to human babies. At first, we made sure to really give them their space and let them come to us until they were ready to explore." But two years later, when they went back, the chimps immediately remembered them. This shows the remarkable bond between humans and chimpanzees.Kate, who welcomed a daughter in May 2019 and a son in November 2022 with husband Bell, continued, "Which is outrageous. That would never happen with a human baby. It just goes to show how spectacular these animals are." She added that BBC America's Baby Chimp Rescue, which features LCRP's team caring for 38 baby chimps in its third episode, "Hopefully, when people see these chimps, it will inspire and teach them about these animals … and then it opens their eyes to all animals in need."The LCRP's official website states that it is the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary and conservation center in Liberia rescuing chimpanzees who are victims of illegal trades. Each month, more captive chimpanzees are confiscated, allowing for the enforcement of Liberia's wildlife laws. Without the ability to confiscate wildlife, authorities cannot protect and preserve chimpanzees. This emphasizes the importance of LCRP's work in safeguarding these endangered animals.