Escapees November-December 2022

skp stops

Chimp Haven—World’s Largest Chimpanzee Refuge Creates Forever Home for Primates

Photo at left: Carlee enjoying a snack. Right: Flora taking a stroll.

“We have jungle gyms, play yards, courtyards and two to fi ve-acre wooded habitats,” Diane continues. Our fi rst stop is where the veterinarians care for the chimps under sedation. Other than these wellness and emergency procedures, the facility is hands-off. Caregivers do not physically touch the chimps except for medical reasons. It is here, in a large holding area, that new chimps are quarantined for 30 to 60 days. Diane bobs her head as we walk in, and the quarantined chimp bobs his back. Chimps who arrive together stay together and live out their lives as part of the same family. I watch as we cruise around how all the staff call, by name, to the chimps and bob their heads in greeting. The desire is not to sedate the chimps, so caregivers teach them how to present their chests so their heart can be heard or a foot if it has been injured. The chimp is given either a drink of fruit juice or a healthy snack in return. "They even learn how to put their fi ngers on a machine that can perform an EKG. Like humans, heart health is important to monitor." “A chimpanzee in the wild lives to be about 30,” she says. "But because of their perfect diet and veterinary care, many live to be 60. LadyBird is 62.” Throughout the colony, every day, the staff provides tactile enrichment. For example, some like looking at children's board books. But, of course, food is a big

motivator as well. “Every day, they each get a banana. We also made replica termite mounds, something they would encounter in the wild, and put apple sauce in them. Chimps are known for their use of tools. They fi nd sticks and use them to get the apple sauce out of the termite mound. These daily enrichment activities mimic the novel experiences chimpanzees encounter in the wild and keep our retirees mentally and emotionally fl ourishing.” The last stop is high above one of the forested areas. Wearing masks and face shields to protect the chimpan zees from any human disease, I climb up a staircase to be able to look over a wall at one of the families. Loud shrieks come from the habitat, and I am told two males are trying to prove dominance. The females scatter, but soon the fuss is over. A caregiver tosses walnuts and other nuts to the waiting chimps. It is a joy to watch these animals enjoying the life they were meant to have. I stand there for at least 15-minutes watching and admiring the excellent work being done in rural Louisiana. Because of Covid-19 at the time of my visit, some public events had been postponed, but private tours were available. For up-to-date information, visit chimphaven.org or call 318-925-9575. Articles and photos by Marilyn Jones, Guest Contributor

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November/December 2022 ESCAPEES Magazine