It’s been nearly a year since the first chimpanzees from the Alamogordo Primate Facility (APF) began arriving at sanctuary. With the help of your advocacy and your generous support through a grant from Rise for Animals, the chimps are finally enjoying fresh air and friendships.
The Chimps’ New Friendships Blossom
After decades in a laboratory, it took a few months for the Alamogordo chimps to settle into sanctuary life at Chimp Haven. By last autumn, many of the individuals began the careful process of social introductions after months of observing one another from across hallways and yards. What began with tentative glances has bloomed into enthusiastic play and vibrant companionship—scenes once unimaginable for chimpanzees who had spent years isolated from new acquaintances.
New friends and new experiences are proof, Chimp Haven said, that “it’s never too late for this geriatric population to receive the retirement they deserve.”
Many of the sanctuary’s newcomers arrived in same-sex duos and trios and spent months carefully studying one another across the hall before introductions began.
Last month, boys JD Jiggles and BC were introduced to bold ladies Socorro, Chauncey, and Montessa. After some natural, initial apprehension, they were “playing, chasing, and embracing in no time.”
Soon after, Shogun and Henry Danger joined the expanding social group.
At 60 years old, Henry “took to the group’s leadership role immediately” and has proven to be “a fair and even-keeled alpha” who has relished making new friends—especially with the girls.
For chimpanzees who spent decades in research facilities, leadership roles and new social bonds are not small things. They’re life-changing, and it took a long road to get there.
1,500+ Miles from Laboratory to Sanctuary
In early 2025, small groups of the Alamogordo chimpanzees embarked on a long road trip from their laboratory in New Mexico to sanctuary in Louisiana. Over the course of several weeks, Chimp Haven’s team coordinated four separate 1,500+-mile transports, with veterinarians by the chimps’ sides every mile to ensure safe passage and comfort on the road.
Freer, Fuller Lives, Thanks to You
Your advocacy helped free these chimps from their laboratory prison. And your generosity has helped ensure the freed chimpanzees are living full, rich lives.
“As the APF chimps celebrate their first year at sanctuary, Chimp Haven is so very honored to partner with Rise for Animals to continue a longstanding legacy of expert care and specialized retirement for the chimps.
“Thanks to your extraordinary support, hundreds of former research chimpanzees are enjoying an idyllic life of freedom and choice designed just for them.”
—Chimp Haven
From the long road home to the friendships unfolding across play yards, these chimps’ story reflects the enduring power of compassion, community, and action.
Thank you for helping give them the lives they were always meant to have.
Your Call to Action: Please 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 APF, yet the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has not committed to their relocation.
Make it clear to the NIH that these chimps, too, should know the peace and freedom of sanctuary.