Celebrating KAREEM’s 36th birthday!
As the new year approaches, we can’t think of a better way to end 2024 than by celebrating Kareem’s birthday!
As a former research chimpanzee, Kareem spent the first 29 years of his life in different laboratories. Although we don’t always know what the chimps went through before coming to sanctuary, that wasn’t the case for Kareem. When he arrived, his former caregivers reached out to us wanting to share his story, which you can read here. His story even inspired his very own children’s book titled Hope for Kareem, available here!
As the alpha of Harmony villa, Kareem is well-known for both his size and his gentle personality. He enjoys all food, but a recent favorite of his is kiwi. Caregivers serve male chimpanzees 4 kiwis, which Kareem can fit in his mouth all at once! He also loves to chew on chimp-safe rubber toys, particularly if they squeak. One of his current favorites is a rubber rose, and he also enjoys stuffed animals.
Although Kareem loves food, his duties as an alpha come first! Rather than trying to be first in line or stealing food, Kareem focuses on making sure everyone in his group gets their food and enrichment, patiently waiting until after they’ve collected their share. During celebrations, Kareem often sits back and lets his groupmates collect their goodies before going to collect his own.
Kareem is a social, extroverted chimp and a great alpha. He doesn’t like being alone and prefers to have a friend with him, especially when he’s outside in the habitat. His caregivers know he’s ready to play when he stomps his foot to invite a game of chase!
Today on December 30th, we hope you’ll help celebrate Kareem’s 36th birthday with us at Project Chimps! If you’d like to send him a gift, please consider a new toy from our Amazon Wishlist! Alternatively, you can support the sanctuary by picking up a copy of Hope for Kareem here or ordering your own Kareem pin, available here. Whichever you decide, thank you so much for supporting his continued care!
Kareem is also one of the featured chimps you can sponsor monthly or annually here at Project Chimps! By becoming a sponsor, you can support Kareem and hear all about his recent adventures in sanctuary.
Happy 36th birthday, Kareem! We’re so glad to see you thrive in your forever home at Project Chimps!