The BBC documentary film featuring Chimp Haven makes its American debut on Thanksgiving Day!
“Chimp Sanctuary” follows British TV personality and animal lover, Sue Perkins, on her visit to Chimp Haven, where she meets several special former research chimpanzees who have retired to the sanctuary.
Watch the documentary on BBC America Thursday, November 22, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, 8 p.m. CT, and chat with Chimp Haven about the film on Facebook and Twitter!
Jill and groupmates Ariah, Martha, Tessa and Whitney were born in research and retired to Chimp Haven in April 2017. Jill, the unexpected breakout star of the film, bonded with Sue almost immediately. She’s a laid-back lady who appreciates the value of some good old-fashioned relaxation.
Pierre is a former HIV research chimpanzee who arrived at Chimp Haven after his former sanctuary went bankrupt. He is the alpha male of his group and although he comes across to strangers as big and tough, caregivers know him to be a giant teddy bear.
Murphy, a sweet and mellow chimp, is the beta male (second in command) of his group. He arrived at Chimp Haven in April 2011 with Pierre after their sanctuary went bankrupt.
Henry was a former pet chimpanzee who arrived at Chimp Haven in February 2009. He was rescued by the Houston ASPCA after living in a small cage in a garage for 15 years, only being fed soda and junk food. While he was close to death and suffering from severe ulcers when he was found, he has recovered well at Chimp Haven.
Forty-year-old Cotton began exhibiting clinical signs of SIVcpz (the chimpanzee form of HIV) after years of research. To help improve Cotton’s quality of life, the veterinary team began soliciting pharmaceutical companies for antiretroviral drugs. Since beginning his regimen, Cotton has shown great improvements and is no longer exhibiting clinical symptoms of SIV.
As Chimp Haven’s Director of Behavior and Research, Amy co-founded Chimp Haven in 1995. She is responsible for the socialization of the chimpanzees, as well as overseeing the enrichment, training and education programs at the sanctuary. Amy and her staff also conduct observational research on the chimpanzees as they adjust to their new lives at the sanctuary.
Dr. Raven Jackson-Jewett leads a staff of three veterinary technicians along with a team of external consulting veterinarians and local medical specialists. She oversees the health needs of more than 230 chimps, including medical and therapeutic treatments, medications, diet and nutrition needs, positive reinforcement and weight loss training.
Steve Ross is the Director of the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Ill. With more than 20 years of experience studying animal behavior, Dr. Ross brings a vast knowledge of great apes to Chimp Haven as the Board of Directors Chair. He is an expert on chimpanzees behavior and wellbeing and has been very influentual in the retirement of lab chimpanzees.
Sue Perkins and creative partner Mel Giedroyc took their first steps into television under the name Mel and Sue. The duo began to gain success and were short-listed for the Daily Express Best Newcomers award at the Edinburgh Festival in 1993. She has since become best known as a radio broadcaster and television presenter, notably of The Great British Bake Off.