Oldest New Mexico troop settles in Chimp Haven

KEITHVILLE, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Chimp Haven recently welcomed retired New Mexico Alamogordo Primate Facility (APF) chimps. The final troop is among the oldest and most fragile to ever enter the sanctuary, with many in their 50s and 60s.

These chimpanzees from APF are protected after a federal judge ruled against the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2022 for violating the Chimpanzee Health, Improvement, Maintenance, and Protection (CHIMP) Act.

Twenty-one chimpanzees, including the most recent group of six, were moved to the sanctuary over eleven weeks. They say it is a milestone in a decade-long journey to retire the chimps. It follows a focused effort by animal welfare groups, lawmakers, and supporters who tirelessly advocated for their retirement from the research facility to the sanctuary.

They said transferring them to the sanctuary was risky due to their age and health conditions. However, extra care and collaboration have made this transition seamless to sanctuary life.

They say the chimpanzees are in the process of integrating.

‘For example, Al and Kamaka, two wild-born males, have joined a social group led by Tabu, a confident male, and four strong females,‘ says Chimp Haven.

Chimp Haven is located on 200 acres in Keithville, just 39 minutes south of Shreveport, Louisiana. It provides an environment that closely mirrors the wild, offering these chimps a space to climb, forage, rest, and form deep social connections with others. This sanctuary is built for their physical, social, and emotional needs, giving them the best chance to thrive.

‘Al, known for his tall, gentle presence, quickly captured the attention of caregivers and chimps. Kamaka, once fiery and energetic, has revealed a playful, more relaxed side since his arrival. The two have been observed grooming, playing, and resting with their new companions, signaling that their transition is off to a strong start.‘ Chimp Haven says.

“These chimps, who have spent so many years waiting, are finally home,” said Rana Smith, Chimp Haven President and CEO. “This is not just a momentous occasion for Chimp Haven, but for every person who worked tirelessly to make this possible. These chimps now have the space to roam, the care they need, and the chance to form deep, lasting relationships with their new companions.”

As Chimp Haven approaches its 30th anniversary in 2025, the arrival of the final group of chimps from APF represents a milestone achievement in chimp welfare, ten years after NIH decided to end research on chimpanzees.

They say this milestone is a full-circle milestone for the sanctuary, its supporters, and the chimpanzees whose lives will forever be changed.

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