Experiencing the Outdoors

There wasn’t a dry human eye in the sanctuary on Tuesday, as we celebrated the opening of the new Peachtree Habitat and the first release of chimpanzees outdoors at Project Chimps.

Lance’s expression, above, says it all. This was the first time in their lives these former research chimps could look up at an unobstructed sky, feel soil and grass under their feet, and forage in a forested, natural environment.

Lance looks up at the open sky for the first time.

So far, we’ve briefly exposed two groups to the outdoor Peachtree Habitat, nine females from Cedar Tree Villa and six males from Villa 2. Each set was released separately and responded slightly differently. Some chimps reacted with fear and trepidation and others with wonder and curiosity. Some explored very briefly, while others ventured far into the enclosed, six-acre habitat.

The 6-acre outdoor Peachtree Habitat at Project Chimps.

It was an amazing milestone made possible by the generous support of founding Project Chimps board member Marsha Perelman, American Anti-Vivisection Society, Solid Security Perimeter Solutions and National Anti-Vivisection Society.

What’s Next in 2018?
2018 is going to be a big year! Now that we’ve finished the much-needed rehab of the chimp Villas, vet hospital, and outdoor habitat, we will focus our attention on the construction of what we’re temporarily calling the “group building.” The outside of this massive structure was built when the property served as a gorilla sanctuary. It was never finished inside, so we are essentially starting from scratch. It will provide a home for 40 chimpanzees when it is completed. That’s right, 40!

Lance hugs Bo in a gesture of reassurance.

A generous donor has pledged nearly three quarters of a million dollars towards the group building project, which we plan to complete this year. But even with that major effort, we are not slowing down! Another group of chimps is already being set up for their transport to Georgia and we are starting the all-important introductions amongst our existing chimps so we can begin to form the large family groups our founders envisioned.

All of this ensures we can continue to retire chimpanzees from the lab and into sanctuary at a steady pace. Our goal is to have more than 60 residents at the end of 2018. Our wish is that you’ll continue on this journey with us. Without you, our work wouldn’t be possible.

Jennifer walks on the fire hose bridge in the Peachtree Habitat.

Read more in our January Newsletter and watch the #PeachTreeHabitat release video.