A pair of chimps rescued from a roadside zoo were seen sharing a loving embrace as they set foot in a brand-new sanctuary.

Four chimpanzees once kept at a roadside zoo operated by a former public official convicted of fraud were brought to a sanctuary in Florida.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture granted custody to the Save the Chimps sanctuary, and April, Anna, Cash, and Lucy made the journey to Fort Pierce, Florida.

They had previously been kept at a small roadside zoo called the Union Ridge Wildlife Center.

Footage shows the four chimps joyously coming together with hugs and grooming sessions in the quarantine area.

They will remain in quarantine for two months before integrating into one of the sanctuary’s 12 chimp islands.

The "very sweet" chimps range in age from 13 to 26, and are adjusting well to their new surroundings, the sanctuary said."

Save the Chimps’ Director of Chimpanzee Behavior and Care, Dr. Andrew Halloran said: "These are extremely intelligent chimpanzees who deserve the chance to explore a larger world."

"We look forward to seeing them thrive on a vast island habitat with 15–20 new lifelong companions, with the freedom to choose where they want to be and who they want to be with."