They Look Up at the Sky

Julius is a 52 year old chimpanzee. For the first time in his life he stretches on the dew laden grass, gazing up at unobstructed sun beams.

Chimp Haven is located in northwest Louisiana and will be caring for 111 chimps as they are staggered in over the next 18 months. Julius and his 3 'lady' companions are settling into this primate friendly sanctuary after less-than-reasonable cages confined them through years of federal research. From psychological studies to possible HIV and Hepatitis vaccines, these federally owned chimpanzees surely suffered as medical experiments filled their days.

Fortunately, there has been a shift in animal medical research. Gross advances in technology and a growing concern about experimentation with animals (including chimps who share 98 percent of DNA of humans) has allowed for compassionate establishments to begin forming.

A National Institutes of Health committee recommended that 'most' of the other federally owned research chimps be retired to this federal sanctuary system. Grassy enclosures open into bedrooms...rooms filled with straw and blankets for nesting. This 200 acre forested reserve sports networks of mesh tunnels to let the staff usher these primates to each habitat.

Lori Green, a Wesleyan University philosophy professor who specializes in Animal Ethics, joyfully stated, "Those spaces are huge. Chimp Haven is a pretty remarkable facility. I think it will be quite interesting and exciting to see it expand."

Behaviorist, Amy Fultz added, "They look up, look at the sky, look at us watching them.There's no bars."

The chimpanzees with HIV, hepatitis or major psychological or medical issues have outdoor areas made of steel mesh. High, peaked ceilings with a piping network allow them to swing, climb and play above ground.

Julius is "well" according to the massive compilation of data on him. Interestingly and surprisingly, he shows little contempt for people.

With the help of the Humane Society and other non-profit organizations, Chimp Haven has recently been given $2.6 million  to add bedrooms, play yards and an open-air enclosure.


" The more we learn of the true nature of non-human animals, especially those with complex brains and corresponding complex social behavior, the more ethical concerns are raised regarding their use in the service of man -- whether this be in entertainment, as "pets," for food, in research laboratories, or any of the other uses to which we subject them."
-Jane Goodall