Riley is a rambunctious youngster who knows just what he wants out of life: To be in charge! But the strong female leaders in his group would tell you he’s still got a ways to go. He’s always on the lookout for his next prank victim (usually one of his aunties). Don’t let his mischievous personality fool you, though — he can be very sweet when he wants to be. Once, when an older member of his group was on the outs with some of his groupmates, Riley made sure to check in with him and bring him food. He just might make a good alpha one day…when he grows up!

Sweet, laid-back Midge came to Chimp Haven from a sanctuary in Texas after his longtime friend, LuLu, passed away. He quickly stole staff’s hearts with his endearing personality, and he’s made lots of new friends while learning the sanctuary ropes with his new family group. His hobbies include: Pickles, Bob Marley music, play sessions and staff, and watching the garbage truck make its rounds (he loves it!).

Sara Soda is the lady in charge in her group, but has a soft spot for Chimp Haven’s youngest chimpanzee, Carlee. She enjoys giving Carlee rides around the habitat and has even been seen sharing her food with her! She’s an excellent nest builder, meticulously placing each component in the right spot, creating what seems to be a very comfortable resting spot.

Barbara is big and beautiful. She can be aloof and independent, but she’s still the apple of Henry’s eye. Barbara, however, is more interested in enjoying her favorite treats. Barbara loves watermelon and you can tell because she’ll try to peer through the enrichment kitchen window for a sneak peek while staff are cutting it up. She’s also very adept at using tools to “fish” for treats hidden in enrichment devices.

Dr. J is a mother to five little humans and caregiver to more than 270 chimps! She works tirelessly to keep retirees healthy and thriving, and due to her nurturing spirit, the chimps always love a visit from Dr. J…even if she happens to be carrying a needle that day. When she’s not working on the next lifesaving chimp procedure, Dr. J likes to enjoy good food with her husband and friends.

Favorite Chimp: Buster – “He’s hard core; yet so sweet.”

You might say Amy has a way with chimps. Since co-founding Chimp Haven in 1995, she’s played matchmaker more than 300 times, creating large, loving chimp families and helping retirees thrive at the sanctuary. When Amy’s not enriching the lives of chimps and staff alike, you’ll find her hanging out with her daughters and pets, or behind a camera, sharing her passion for photography.

Favorite Chimp: Matthew – “He’s handsome and just plain silly.”

A native of South Dakota, Michelle began her career at a Texas sanctuary working with big cats, bears, wolves, and chimps and took the reins as Chimp Haven’s Colony Director after serving on the Animal Care team for five years. She and her team lead husbandry and care for the colony and work tirelessly to give all of Chimp Haven’s retirees the best life possible.

Favorite Chimp: Pierre – “I have known Pierre for 18 years and we just clicked from the first time we met.  He is a big boisterous male that is known for his exuberant displays that make him seem like a tough guy.  However, upon inspection, he is a big softie, who likes to have his chin rubbed with a spoon.”

When Rana took on the role of leading the Chimp Haven clan in 2017, she brought with her a lifelong passion for animals and more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership and fundraising expertise. Rana’s recipe for happiness is leading staff and donors to do big things for animals (and some artisan dark chocolate doesn’t hurt either). When she’s not living the chimp life at Chimp Haven, Rana can be found chilling out in Austin, Texas, with her family or planning her next travel adventure.

Favorite Chimp: Hope – “I love her unique look and that her alopecia doesn’t slow her down for a second. She’s got a sweet, welcoming personality and she’s a great friend to all of the chimps in her group.”

Before coming to Chimp Haven, Liam tested cognition with orangutans and gorillas at a zoo in Atlanta. He knew he wanted to get into the sanctuary setting as soon as possible, and felt he could make the most impact on the chimpanzee species at Chimp Haven. He loves the spontaneity and problem-solving that is inherent in working with chimps, and with helping each chimp have the best day they can every day.

Favorite Chimp: Anita – “I like her because she’s very spunky (I call her spicy). I never know what I’m going to get with her! She’s super cute and her flamboyant personality always makes my day.”