Welcoming Six New Chimps! - Project Chimps

IT’S WORLD CHIMPANZEE DAY… AND WE’RE CELEBRATING WITH SOME BIG NEWS!!!

This past week, we welcomed six new chimps to sanctuary! That’s right! Our transport team made the trek to the lab in Louisiana for an overnight transport (to travel in the cooler evening temperatures). Project Chimps now welcomes Johnny, Roy, Tony, Orpheus, Adam and Bozo to sanctuary here in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The newest residents of the Chimps Ahoy Villa made themselves at home quickly, checking out their surroundings, playing with toys, swinging on swings, etc.!

The Original Troop

Existing resident Luke was very excited to see the trailer pull up with lots of pant hoots. Staff calmed the new chimps with grape juice and unloaded them, one by one, into the villa’s bedroom area.

Kirk’s original group of 15 remains separated from the six new chimps by a safety barrier. They chatter, exchange glances—and sometimes trade spit—but physical introductions will take time. Remarkably, both groups have stayed calm…except during the recent rainstorm, when each group enthusiastically blamed the other for the unexpected weather.

Caregiver Aide Ashley plays tickle stick with new chimp Roy.

Observations So Far

Caregivers have observed that Roxy is showing keen interest in the new males—so much so that she’s been too distracted to swipe Kyrstin’s chow, a rare display of restraint from her usual routine. Roy is greeting the existing chimps enthusiastically. Kirk is not sure about them and Lindsey is doing her normal spit greetings. Orpheus is most interacting with Luke, but Luke isn’t so sure about Orpheus.

The new chimps will spend their first 30 days in quarantine, giving us time to safeguard everyone from potential illnesses they may have picked up during their long journey across multiple states. After that, the caregivers and our Behavior Coordinator, Kris Dyer, will slowly introduce the new and existing chimps into a group of 21.

Without the generous contributions of our donors, this “WELCOME HOME” would not have been possible. Make a donation today to support the care of all 101 chimpanzees!

Thank you for helping us help these amazing chimps! After all, it’s their time to live!