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 Chimps Inc. is a nonprofit,
501(C)3-1 wildlife sanctuary dedicated to furthering chimpanzee
conservation through education. It was founded by Lesley Day in 1995 in
response to the multitude of captive chimpanzees desperately in need of
homes. Our private sanctuary provides a place of refuge for those apes
that have come from roadside zoos, entertainment industry and the private
sector. To learn more about our eight resident chimpanzees and two
big cats, please follow the links to their individual biographies.
Click here to learn the
story of how Lesley Day started Chimps Inc. and chose to devote her life
towards the protection and conservation of apes.
As
infants, the endearing looks and charming personalities of monkeys and
apes are very appealing to the human senses. Consequently, thousands of
these primates have been captured and bred to supply the demands of both
the commercial industry (e.g. apes in movies) and the pet trade. In
addition, the near 99% genetic similarity of chimpanzees and humans has
made that particular ape species the unfortunate subject of decades of biomedical research. These
characteristics, while adding in the intrigue and value of the animals,
have also contributed to the inundation of captive chimpanzees in the
United States. Chimpanzees born in captivity are quickly separated from
their mothers, and as they mature their instinctual behaviors are harshly
repressed (often physically) and discouraged by their human handlers. By
the time a young chimp reaches six years of age, they are stronger than
most human adults. The natural expression of behaviors such as
aggression and excitement prove
to
be unmanageable and potentially dangerous to the humans they live with.
Inevitably, these apes become victims of isolation, abuse, and neglect
which inflict untold mental harm to the animal. Since a chimpanzee may
live to 60 years of age in captivity, the task of providing a suitable
living environment is incredibly difficult. These animals (which have
all been “humanized” to some degree) are often traded or sold as
property, rather than being treated like sentient beings with legal
rights. Thousands of our thinking, feeling relatives have been shuffled
off to grisly roadside zoos, animal warehouse, or quietly euthanized. A
relatively small number are lucky to live out their lives, unfettered,
with others of their kind in sanctuaries. But these refuges are both limited in number, and most are
filled to capacity.
 While
there are a number of sanctuaries now being planned, the task is
complicated. Enclosures that can hold an individual eight times stronger
than a human are expensive to build. Costs can exceed $35,000 a year to
properly house two chimpanzees. Also, these primates require a large
amount of daily care to ensure that their lives are enriched and dynamic.
Chimps Inc. has the land and the energy, but we need your help to expand
and build adequate indoor and outdoor enclosures. In order to accomplish
this, we need the proper funding.
With your help, not only could we continue providing the best possible
care for our chimps, but we will be able to set yet another example and
ultimately aid other chimpanzees who are in dire need. Please....join us today.
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