Lindsey Peters – Remarkable Woman with a soul for giving

CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – A Shreveport woman has a heart for animals and athletes with special needs.

“I was watching the local news and an ad came on that said, do you know a woman who is a leader in their field and makes a difference in the Shreveport-Bossier area, and I said oh I actually do know somebody,” said Awbrea Moss, Chimp Haven Special Projects Coordinator.

Moss said she knew the perfect woman to nominate, her supervisor and friend, who has a selfless spirit.

“It’s very unique to have a manager like that. Who cares that much about you and the animals you take care of,” Moss said.

Moss is referring to the ‘girl boss power’ found at Chimp Haven in Keithville, Louisiana, where her manager, Lindsey Peters, has worked for 15 years. Peters started as a volunteer before rising through the ranks to a leadership role.

“I looked up volunteer opportunities in Shreveport, and Chimp Haven popped up, and thought, wow, that’s something I’ve never done before. My first day, I just fell in love with it,” Peters said.

Peters is the facility’s Animal Care Manager. She is also a Shreveport-native, which is rare at Chimp Haven, which recruits and hires personnel nationwide. During her career, she has seen the facility grow from 120 chimps to more than 300, living out their best chimp retirement years from biomedical research, as the center has completed major expansions and renovations.

“Each chimp has their own name and their own personality. Some like to be in your face, wanting your attention. Some just want to be with their friends. That’s one of my favorite things about the chimps is that they will let you know how that want their day to go,” Peters said.

Their love for animals is shared amongst the staff. Each day is filled with tasks, cleaning, enrichment, medical care, and friendship.

“She’s very passionate about the chimps. Very passionate about her team. She wants to make sure that everything is top-notch. Whether that’s the chimp care and care of the staff and the team,” Moss said.

Peters’ kind personality extends to animals and people. She coaches the Shreveport Special Olympics Softball Team.

“You’ve never received so many hugs when you walk out there and start practice. The athletes are amazing. They’re out there just having fun playing softball. It really puts life in perspective,” Peters said.

She has a successful background in softball. During college, Peters was on UT Tyler’s first softball team, launching her freshman year, which she continued through her senior year.

“I was a hitter, I liked hitting the ball and lots of home runs,” she said.

Peters was recently inducted into the UT Tyler Sports Hall of Fame for her foundational legacy.

“I was fortunate to be on a team where I could thrive and be a leader while developing things they still do today,” Peters said.

Moss describes Peters as humble and as someone who always has your back.

“You just go about your life doing things and don’t necessarily think it’s remarkable. Whenever you hear you’ve made an impact on someone’s life it’s really cool,” Peters said.

She thanks her parents, coaches, and Chimp Haven mentors who helped guide her into a leadership mentality.

“They are the parents who never missed a softball game. They’re supportive in everything I did. Lots of people have poured into my life to help me see the importance of being a good person, good communication, and a good teammate. I just want to make those people proud.”

Chimp Haven invites the public to visit during their upcoming Discovery Day in April.