Thanks to your support, dozens of former “laboratory chimpanzees” are now living the lives they’ve always deserved at Chimp Haven, the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary.
The cooler autumn weather has arrived in Louisiana, and the sanctuary is alive with activity. The chimpanzees are spending extra time outdoors, exploring their habitats as the leaves begin to change. Among them are the Alamogordo chimps, survivors of decades in research who are now experiencing safety and community in their golden years.
New Beginnings for the Alamogordo Chimps
This season marks a major milestone for the Alamogordo group. After years of confinement—many of them kept in same-sex pairs or trios—they’re being gently introduced to new friends and forming the social groups that are essential to chimpanzee life. These introductions take time and care, but the result is amazing: chimps who once lived in isolation now spend their days grooming, playing, and resting side by side in the company of others.
Meanwhile, construction is underway at the sanctuary to expand living spaces for the Alamogordo chimps.
“We expect work to wrap up after the New Year, and if all goes well, chimps will be moving in shortly after!” says Sharlene Vance, Grants Manager at Chimp Haven. “The next six months are going to be an exciting time for the Alamogordo crew, including their very first holiday season at Chimp Haven.”
Meet Sparky and His Family
As the Alamogordo chimps prepare for their big move, other residents are also discovering new joys. Sparky, a longtime sanctuary resident, recently moved with his family group into a multi-acre forested habitat for the first time. After taking time to comfort one another in the new space, they set off together on a patrol along the perimeter, a natural behavior that wild chimp troops perform to explore and protect their territory.
Freedom Made Possible by You
Every inch of land Sparky explores, every friendship blooming among the Alamogordo chimps, every safe night’s sleep in a cozy nest—it all traces back to your compassion and your commitment.
Because of your support, Rise for Animals can continue funding sanctuary care and fighting for the day when no animal is ever exploited in research again.
Thank you for giving these chimpanzees the chance to live, play, and simply be themselves at long last.
Help More Chimpanzees Now
Take one minute to speak up for the freedom of chimps who are still imprisoned. Around forty chimpanzees remain at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas, confined to a research facility without a plan for their release. These animals deserve the same chance at sanctuary as the chimps freed from the Alamogordo Primate Facility, yet the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has not committed to their relocation.
Let’s make it clear to the NIH that these chimps, too, should know the peace and freedom of sanctuary.
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