Last year, chimpanzees from the Alamogordo Primate Facility (APF) arrived at Chimp Haven after spending decades in government-supported research. Since then, we’ve shared updates as they settled into sanctuary life, made new friends, and experienced freedoms they had been denied for most of their lives.
Some of those same chimps have now reached another remarkable milestone.
Into the Woods
Recently, a group of the former APF residents—led by a chimp named Shogun—became the first of the Alamogordo chimps to enter one of Chimp Haven‘s multi-acre forested habitats.
For most wild chimps, a forest is home. But for these chimps, it was something entirely new.
The chimps have been adjusting to a life that would’ve been unimaginable during their years in research. All of them are considered geriatric. Many have spent decades in highly controlled laboratory environments. At the sanctuary, they’ve been meeting new companions, joining large mixed-sex social groups, and discovering experiences that most chimps naturally encounter throughout their lives.
The forest habitat offered yet another first. Two weeks ago, Shogun’s group were the first of the Alamogordo chimps to enter a multi-acre forested habitat at the sanctuary.
Henry Danger Leads the Way
One particular chimp’s reaction to the forest habitat deeply moved the sanctuary’s staff.
Henry Danger was the first member of Shogun’s group to leave the familiar area near his indoor bedroom and venture into the forest. Slowly, he disappeared into the trees.
Staff suspect Henry Danger may have been born in the wild before being brought to the United States as an infant and ultimately used in research. It’s common for caregivers to observe wild-born chimps reconnecting with long-dormant instincts after arriving at sanctuary. But even so, Henry Danger’s response was amazing.
He touched leaves. He played in the foliage. He took in the sights, sounds, and sensations of a natural environment that’d been missing from his life for decades.
“It’s a moment we’ll never forget!” Chimp Haven said.
Meanwhile, Shogun approached the experience in his own way.
After enjoying plenty of sweet potatoes and bananas, Shogun set off to investigate a large play structure at the far end of the habitat. Following a day of exploration, he settled down for a lengthy nap overlooking the water.
What Sanctuary Makes Possible
In just a few days, this adventurous group had already begun making the forested space their own. They met neighboring chimps, explored together, and embarked on countless excursions through their new woodland surroundings.
For animals who spent decades of their lives in laboratories, these moments may seem simple. But they represent something profound: choice, autonomy, companionship, and the opportunity to experience the world on their own terms.
Every new friendship formed, every patch of grass explored, and every forest trail traveled is a reminder of what sanctuary makes possible.
We’re proud to support Chimp Haven as they provide these chimps with the retirement they deserve. We’re grateful to everyone who’s helped support their journey from laboratory confinement to sanctuary life.
Watch the video below to see Shogun’s group exploring the forest for the very first time.
We’ll continue sharing updates as more of the former APF chimpanzees meet new friends, move into new habitats, and discover the freedoms they’ve waited a lifetime to experience.