Save the Chimps, Inc.

14/08/2024

Big thanks to Nylabone for their generous donation of chewable toys to Save the Chimps! 🐵 These amazing products are keeping our chimps happy, healthy, and engaged. Enrichment is vital to their well-being, and we're so grateful for Nylabone's support! 💚

10/08/2024

Who else is celebrating National Lazy Day? is always ready for a good nap.

Get to know Capone: savethechimps.org/chimps/capone

09/08/2024

08/08/2024

We are grateful that our chimpanzee residents have the freedom to choose if they'd like to sleep under the stars each night.⭐️

07/08/2024

🥳 In August, we’re celebrating 19 incredible chimp birthdays! The youngest this month is Braedon, turning 25, and the oldest are Yolanda and Boy, both turning 55! Do you or a loved one share a birthday with any of them?

19/07/2024

Virgil is all smiles because we're just $23,200 away from hitting our $250,000 board challenge match! Help us reach our goal by 7/31 and double your impact. All gifts are fully matched through Saturday! 💚

📸 Jamie D., Curator

18/07/2024

Did you know that in the laboratory, it was common for the chimpanzees to receive a tattoo on their chest for identification purposes? When we rescued the 266 chimpanzees from the Coulston Foundation, they had thin hair and pale skin causing the tattoos to be easily visible. Over the years through proper nutrition and sunshine, their hair has thickened and their skin darkened leaving the tattoos now unrecognizable. Although their tattoo numbers remain in their historical files, we always refer to a chimpanzee by their name, not a number.

You can see Roady’s number “1601” has all but vanished under his healthy coat of hair and we hope his memories of life in a laboratory are equally fading.

💚Our residents have access to a 3-acre island and the freedom to choose where to spend their time.💚

17/07/2024

Happy National Tattoo Day! 🎨 Some of our dedicated staff members proudly showcase their love for our chimpanzees with tattoos of their favorite residents. 💚 Each tattoo represents a special bond and a commitment to providing the best care for our sanctuary's chimps.

16/07/2024

PRIME DAY ALERT! 🛍️🎉 We've highlighted some Prime Deals on items our chimps love and essentials for our maintenance team. Look for the "Prime Deal" comment at the top of our wishlist to find the best sales. Support the sanctuary by shopping here: https://amzn.to/3g86SfO

Thank you for your support! 🐵

13/07/2024

For World Chimpanzee Day, we are so excited to share that we have partnered with JIGGY Puzzles to bring you this beautiful 500-piece puzzle featuring art by chimpanzee residents Grace, Janice, and Connor! 🧩

💚 Visit savethechimps.org/jiggy to pre-order by Sunday, July 14th for your chance to win the original artwork on canvas! 🎨

Save the Chimps is one of the largest chimpanzee sanctuaries in the world whose mission is to provide sanctuary and exemplary care to chimpanzees in need. We offer life-long care for chimpanzees rescued from research laboratories, the pet trade, and entertainment industry. Painting is a popular enrichment activity that stimulates creativity and offers emotional and mental engagement.

04/07/2024

Happy Fourth of July! 🎆 Virgil and our residents have been enjoying a week full of red, white, and blue-themed enrichment parties with plenty of treats! 🎉🇺🇸

01/07/2024

Thank you Doris Day Animal Foundation (DDAF) for your support!

26/06/2024

It is with great sadness that we said goodbye to Val on Friday. Val was born on December 19, 1995, at the Coulston Foundation laboratory and was rescued by Save the Chimps in 2002. Val loved relaxing in hammocks and spending time with her best friend Cartier. Recently, her health declined, and with advanced kidney failure, our veterinary team made the compassionate decision to humanely euthanize her to prevent suffering. Though we’re heartbroken, we’re grateful for the 22 years of freedom and joy we provided Val in her retirement at the sanctuary.

Learn more about Val and make a donation in her honor: bit.ly/valtribute2024

19/06/2024

Join us in Santa Fe at the Jen Tough Gallery for the launch party for Interspecies: Human & Chimp Art Collaborations on July 13 from 5-7pm at the Jen Tough Gallery in Santa Fe. Space is limited. Learn more and RSVP here: bit.ly/stcsantafe24

10/06/2024

🌿✨ It's National Herbs and Spices Day, and we're celebrating with our very own Cayenne! 🌶️ From a challenging past to a bright, joyful present, Cayenne’s story is as unique as her name. This napping queen loves sleeping, drinking from the hose, and painting. 💚 Tag someone who makes your life spicy!

06/06/2024

🎉 Walden celebrates his 27th birthday today!! 🎉 Curator Skye C. shares, "Walden is an incredible chimpanzee!! He’s a high-ranking, beloved member of his group, always seen grooming or playing, and loves staff attention."

Walden's courage has blossomed over time. Initially hesitant to explore, he now roams his island. Skye adds, "Many years ago, it was rare to see Walden outside the building. I remember excitedly taking a picture the first time I ever saw him on the patio. Now, he explores the entire island, patrolling with his group or relaxing in the shade on the structures." Join us in celebrating Walden's special day! 🥳

05/06/2024

Paintings by the chimps at Save the Chimps, Inc. are currently on exhibit in New York! Learn more about how it came to be at https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/paintings-no-joke-art-talented-184500097.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAKWBaDwR7Jw9wxh-8ObBiHqBNaCqzvVUSjmVCyt0vEW_vZsylwJ0MQurtRJ3iEP3enNJdaSxTBP-xsiJEA3xqxIfxHLfeQXaNoeZqPgn5ZAaWvchF2tEx-PKs_oKuF1wvHMQ_oym78O-CHq0Jd0LWyPDC44_65PMMfHj5NB6Lu-t

04/06/2024

🎉 Happy Birthday to Tootie and Kay! 🎉

Tootie, our brave, curious, and playful king of raspberries, always brings a smile to everyone's face with his goofy attitude. Whether engaged in play sessions or charming his ever-growing social group, Tootie is the social butterfly we all adore. 🦋

And let's not forget the one and only Baby Kay! This goofy lady loves her water sprinklers and is known for her somersaults to get a refreshing mist. She's not just playful but also a pillar of love, support, and protection for her family. Her heart truly is as big as her personality. 💖

Join us in celebrating these amazing chimps and making a difference! 💚 Help us meet our $250,000 board match challenge for all new and increased gifts by July 31. Every donation at bit.ly/stcmatch24 helps us continue providing the best care for Tootie, Kay, and all their friends.

29/05/2024

🎉 26 Birthdays This Month! 🎉 May is our busiest birthday month, and we're thrilled to celebrate with our amazing chimpanzees! Each of these remarkable chimps has a unique personality that brings immense joy to our sanctuary. Join us in wishing them the best year yet! 💚✨

12/05/2024

Happy Mother’s Day! 🌸🐵 During this time of year, we love sharing photos and videos of our residents with their offspring. Some unexpected arrivals came into our sanctuary through failed vasectomies, but watching these babies grow in loving families has been an incredible blessing. Today, and every day, we celebrate the strength and love of all mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and maternal figures. 💕

09/05/2024

Save the Chimps Ambassador Vivien Lyra Blair attended the Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes premiere and praised the movie’s use of CGI, which spares real apes from being forced to perform. The young actress visited us last year to meet Tonka, Lisa Marie and other chimps who retired to Save the Chimps after time in the entertainment industry. Kudos to our youngest advocate!

02/05/2024

🌟 Today marks 15 years since the passing of our founder, Dr. Carole Noon. Her legacy lives on as an inspiration to us all. Thanks to her tireless dedication, over 300 chimpanzees have peacefully retired at our sanctuary.

In honor of her memory, we're sharing one of Carole Noon's Chimp Diaries, filled with her trademark wit and charm. Join us in celebrating her life and carrying forward her essential work.

Your gift in honor of Dr. Carole Noon will help us continue providing exemplary care to chimpanzees in need. Read the diaries on our blog: bit.ly/noondiaries 🐵💖

28/04/2024

Join us in thanking our incredible team of 114 volunteers!

Our sanctuary thrives on their commitment to our mission of providing sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees. From tending to the chimps' laundry, preparing their meals, and assisting our veterinary department to photography, event support, and more, our volunteers play an integral role. They also extend our reach by tabling at events, passionately spreading awareness about Save the Chimps.

Their selfless efforts enrich the lives of the chimps and inspire others to join our cause. This National Volunteer Week (and always!), we extend our deepest gratitude to each and every volunteer, past and present, who helps make a difference in the lives of our beloved chimpanzee residents.

24/04/2024

Today, on World Day for Laboratory Animals, we pay tribute to the 266 chimpanzees rescued from the Coulston Foundation in 2002 and all animals who have suffered the fate of a laboratory subject.

Howard, now affectionately known as “Happy Howie,” embodies the spirit of resilience. Born at the Coulston Foundation and separated from his mother at just two years old, he endured a decade of solitude and scientific experimentation. But today at Save the Chimps, his infectious smile lights up the lives of those around him, both chimps and humans.

Howie is a thriving member of Tapioca’s family and is known for the joy he brings others through laughter and play. He enjoys being scratched with a “tickle stick” (a piece of rubber hose staff use to interact with the chimps safely) and will lean forward to have his head scratched, then turn around for a back scratch. He is also a true and supportive friend to his fellow chimps.

Your support can make a difference for Howie and his fellow lab-rescued chimpanzees. Consider making a donation or adopting Howie: https://bit.ly/44bXOLF

23/04/2024

We ❤️ our volunteers! A big thank you to Laurie, Kristine, and our more than one hundred other volunteers for dedicating their time to the well-being of our residents.

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Accredited Save the Chimps, Inc. appreciates Laurie Mello Udine and Kristine Heitner!

Laurie and Kristine have been volunteering at Save the Chimps for 5 years. Over the years they have become friends and a consistent presence that staff can count on. This dynamic duo are incredibly reliable and dedicated to our sanctuary. They travel a combined 232 miles round trip to the sanctuary twice weekly to volunteer.

When asked why they volunteer, they say “hanging blankets on a perfect day under the supervision of our chimp friends is hard to beat. We really enjoy helping the vet staff in providing excellent care to the chimps too. We’re chatty people and not easily deterred by crazy tasks. We both recognize what a privilege it is to be surrounded by the chimps here. We often just stop and take in the sights and sounds on the islands.”

One of their favorite chimps is Bobby. “Bobby never fails to make his way to the mesh to shower us with water – every time! Whether he's out on the island or in the building, when we arrive he’s ready for his display.” Another fond memory of theirs is singing Christmas carols for Tuffy. “He demanded an encore – no one has ever asked us to sing before!”

On behalf of all the staff and chimps at STC, thank you Laurie and Kristine!

19/04/2024

Who has listened to the new Taylor Swift album!? 🙋‍♀️ One line from the song Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me stuck with us. "I was tame, I was gentle, 'til the circus life made me mean. Don't you worry, folks, we took out all her teeth!"

Several of our residents who have come from the entertainment industry, including the circus, have no teeth. They are pulled at a young age to benefit the trainers and in a vain attempt to keep the chimp working and profitable longer. Their entertainment “careers” are over by age eight, leaving chimpanzees like Ricky and Tootie the rest of their lives (often over 40 years!) with absolutely no teeth. An injustice that never should have happened, but thankfully, they have adapted and are doing well in sanctuary life.

Learn more about and support our residents who were rescued from the entertainment industry: https://bit.ly/RescuedFrom

15/04/2024

Cayleb seems to be getting the royal treatment as he's being groomed by Tonka and Andrea. Grooming is an important activity; not only is it hygienic, but it also helps cement bonds and builds stronger friendships.



📸 by Associate Veterinarian Dr. Lauri Crimmins

12/04/2024

Hollywood titans Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara collaborated with our chimpanzee residents to curate 16 paintings, many based on the vivid colors of Joaquin’s Oscar-winning Joker character. Joaquin and Rooney painted the base coat then chose color combos for the chimps. Learn more & see the full collection >> https://bit.ly/joaquin-rooney-stc

09/04/2024

Happy 27th birthday to Guilder!

Get to know this handsome guy by visiting https://bit.ly/guilder-chimp

📷 by volunteer Christine P.