On the latest episode of All My Children Wear Fur Coats, Rana Smith advocated for the humane treatment of chimpanzees, and explained how Chimp Haven offers them a happy and fulfilling life; a “Chimp Life.”
Rana Smith is the president and CEO of Chimp Haven, the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in the world. Rana manages the retirement and care of nearly 300 former research chimpanzees living across a sprawling 200-acre forested property. Incredibly social creatures, the chimpanzees are organized into 38 distinct family groups and range in age from 7 to 64 years. The sanctuary provides chimpanzees with an opportunity to enjoy a fruitful retirement, complete with healthy diets, expert veterinary care, stimulating enrichment, and lots of freedom.
Rana chronicled the establishment of Chimp Haven. She explained that chimpanzees have been used in biomedical research since the 1950’s. Their genetic similarity to humans made them desirable test subjects for studying infectious diseases, including HIV. To increase the availability of research subjects for HIV/AIDS research, the government established breeding facilities that produced hundreds of chimpanzees. Ultimately, it became clear that chimpanzees were not as suitable for HIV research as once believed, resulting in a surplus of chimps. Dr. Linda Brent, a behaviorist at a chimpanzee research facility in San Antonio, conceived the idea of establishing a preserve for chimpanzees no longer needed for research. With the help of her colleagues, the land was acquired, and Chimp Haven was founded.
Chimp Haven is located in Louisiana, where severe weather like tornados could pose a threat to the chimpanzees. Additionally, low temperatures in the winter can freeze the bodies of water that provide a natural barrier for the animals. To mitigate risks, the staff at the sanctuary use positive reinforcement training to round up the chimps when necessary. An auditory cue, which can be anything from a whistle to a Doobie Brothers song, signals the chimps that it is time to seek shelter.
Rana voiced her frustration with the private ownership of primates, highlighting the special provisions and diets that are required for their proper care. She underscored the crucial role of socialization with other chimps and acknowledged the potential dangers of owning such powerful animals. Rana alluded to the recent Chimp Crazy docuseries, a program that illustrates the perils of keeping chimpanzees as pets. Since there is no federal law prohibiting private possession of primates, Rana urged listeners to reach out to their legislators and advocate for the passage of the Captive Primate Safety Act.
If you would like to learn more about Chimp Haven, or to take a virtual tour of the facility, please visit ChimpHaven.org. Follow Chimp Haven on social media at Facebook.com/ChimpHaven.
Please remember to protect your beloved pet with a Pet Trust! Check out ACT4Pets.org for more information.
