It only takes being around a chimpanzee for a little while to
realize how much they are like us. They are so
incredibly smart. They have a sense of humor, they are
mischievous, loving & caring and get VERY ,VERY STRONG.
Back in the 70's and previous years, when a performer
CHIMPANZEE became too big and strong to be around the public
it would be "retired" and end up in a research facility!!!!
It seemed so SAD and INSENSITIVE that these amazing animals
that had spent their early lives entertaining people and
making us laugh, would end up in very small cages being used
as guinea pigs for bio research; being injected with Aids,
Hepatitis and other diseases.
At that time I made a vow to try and give a permanent loving
and caring home for those that were in need. Some of the
chimps here are retired performers, ex-pets, some came from
zoos that no longer wanted them, some came from very poor
conditions and some were born here.
Chimpanzee's in captivity can live a very long time...60 years
or even more! The world's oldest chimpanzee is Cheeta.
Cheeta played with Johnny Weissmuller in the early Tarzan
Movies. Cheeta is now 76 years old and lives in Palm
Springs CA with his dedicated human caregiver, Dan Westfall.
The oldest Chimpanzee living here at the Missouri Chimpanzee
Sanctuary is over 50 years old.
Caring for all of our chimpanzees (there are over 20 here
now!) is quite an undertaking. It is very expensive to feed,
house, and care for adult chimpanzees; and because the love
does not stop with the chimps, we have also taken in many
other animals in need of a safe and loving place to call home.
In the past we have been able to care for the animals
through parties and commercial work. Times have changed and
we need your help...you may have had a Chimp Party in the
past. If you would like to help support the chimp that
made your event successful...you can adopt a chimp or make a
donation.
Thank You for your support and for letting us
share our love of animals with you!
