Chimp Haven

About our NGO friend

Outside Shreveport, Louisiana, on 200 acres of beautiful, forested sanctuary, more than 330 chimpanzees, many of whom were used in biomedical research, are living the good life — or, as Chimp Haven like to call it, the Chimp Life.

At Chimp Haven Louisiana, Ecoflix NGO Partner, chimps retired from research experience the joys they would have enjoyed in the wild: climbing trees, living in large, bonded social groups, eating their favorite fruits, running, playing, exploring, and — best of all — choosing how they spend their days.

Chimp Haven believe we’re not that different, humans and chimpanzees. As our closest living relatives, chimps share more than 98 percent of our genetic blueprint, and upon visiting the sanctuary it doesn’t take long to see that they have all the personalities, emotions, relationships, dramas and joys that we do.

Chimp Haven Louisiana believe they all deserve a chance to live the Chimp Life. That’s why they’re working diligently to transport all remaining chimpanzees to the sanctuary as soon as possible and embarking on an ambitious sanctuary expansion to ensure there is room to welcome them all home.

On behalf of the more than 330 chimps currently enjoying retirement at Chimp Haven, and the many more to come, thank you for your support!

The Story of Chimp Haven Louisiana

More than 16 years ago, Chimp Haven welcomed its first chimpanzees – Rita and Theresa – to their new sanctuary home. Rita and Theresa spent their lives in biomedical research before coming to Chimp Haven. Here, on 200 beautiful forested acres, they would have the chance to live like chimps, with the freedom to choose how to spend their time.

Within days, the chimps were climbing trees, and within weeks they were foraging and building nests. Hundreds of former research chimpanzees have since come to Chimp Haven. From fresh foods, daily enrichment activities, expert veterinary care, and new friends and spaces to explore, everything is designed with them in mind.

As the final chimpanzees from research facilities prepare to make their way to Chimp Haven, we’re determined to give them the sanctuary life they deserve. Learn how you can help bring them home at chimphaven.org.

— Rana Smith, President & CEO, Chimp Haven