Chimp Haven Welcomes Nine New Chimpanzees
National effort to retire all former research chimps to sanctuary advances
KEITHVILLE, La., October 24, 2018 – Nine new chimpanzees have arrived safely to experience retirement at Chimp Haven, a 200-acre forested sanctuary in Louisiana.
“It’s very exciting to welcome former research chimpanzees to sanctuary,” said Rana Smith, president and chief executive officer of Chimp Haven. “The new arrivals bring us that much closer to transitioning all remaining chimpanzees out of research facilities where they’ll live in a lush, enriching environment designed entirely for them.”
The new arrivals, a social group of five males and four females, join more than 250 chimpanzees already enjoying retirement at Chimp Haven, the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary.
Many of the new arrivals have lived together for years and will enjoy retirement in large social groups. Tamblo, a 28-year-old male chimp, is sweet and quiet. He and Shahee, also 28, have been friends for many years. Together they will experience what Chimp Haven refers to as the “Chimp Life,” the opportunity to climb trees, explore the forest, feast on fresh fruits and vegetables and choose which chimp friends to spend their peace-filled days with. Other new chimpanzees to the sanctuary include males Pimach, Piplin and Tohbi and females Mahi, Suhna, Gracie and Josie.
While Chimp Haven is excited to welcome nine new arrivals to sanctuary, there is an urgent need to expand the sanctuary to accommodate more than 200 chimpanzees remaining in research facilities awaiting their chance for sanctuary retirement. For more information about Chimp Haven’s expansion campaign to bring more chimps home and how to donate, visit https://chimphaven.org/expansion-campaign/.
About Chimp Haven
Chimp Haven, the National Chimpanzee Sanctuary, is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that serves as a refuge for chimpanzees, most of whom were retired from biomedical research. Located on 200 acres of rich forested land near Shreveport, Louisiana, the sanctuary is home to more than 250 chimpanzees who are able to live out the rest of their lives in comfortable retirement. The sanctuary is dedicated to meeting the needs of its chimps. It is made up of a wide range of dynamic habitats for the chimpanzees, including multiple acres of natural forests for them to explore. More information can be found at chimphaven.org.
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