With NAVS’ support, Chimp Haven expands enrichment for individuals finally being released from government custody.
This spring marks a long-awaited new beginning for a group of chimpanzees who had spent much of their lives under government ownership and had previously been used in research. With help from a grant from NAVS, Chimp Haven is enhancing their environment with enrichment items—including toys, furniture, and foragers—for the 12 new bedrooms and four play yards currently under construction at the sanctuary.
These improvements are being made for the final group of chimps who arrived from the Alamogordo Primate Facility (APF), where dozens remained long after invasive research ended in the U.S. in 2015. Although the CHIMP Act—passed in 2000—guaranteed lifetime sanctuary retirement for these government-owned animals, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) halted transfers in 2019, citing health concerns.
In 2022, a federal judge ruled that NIH’s refusal to move these individuals to sanctuary was unlawful. In late 2024, it was finally announced that the remaining 23 chimpanzees at APF would be transferred to Chimp Haven. This came after years of advocacy work by animal welfare groups, lawmakers, and supporters who tirelessly worked on behalf of these chimps to have them moved from their former research facility to have the opportunity to experience the retirement they earned and deserved at sanctuary.
Now, NAVS is proud to be part of ensuring their lives in the sanctuary are as enriching and healing as possible.
The transition is already showing signs of success. Sharlene Vance, Chimp Haven’s grants manager, shared a recent update on some of the chimps who arrived earlier this year:
“The latest arrivals from APF are settling in well at Chimp Haven since arriving this spring. A few of them have already met new friends, including Al and Kamaka, who were introduced to a group with several strong ladies after having only lived with males before arriving at the sanctuary. They’re doing wonderfully and have developed special bonds with their new groupmates, including leading ladies Wotoni, Roxanne, and Zoe. Meanwhile, two sweet APF chimps, Pearl Bug and Sherril, are absolutely loving their new play yard and spending lots of time sprawled out on the grass…It’s so rewarding to see them form new social bonds, a reminder that it’s never too late to make new friends and enjoy new adventures.”
This grant reflects NAVS’ deep and ongoing commitment to supporting animals after research ends. Through the NAVS Animal Sanctuary Assistance Program (ASAP), we provide essential resources to sanctuaries and rescues that give animals the second chances they deserve. These grants not only provide for the animals’ well-being, but they also help tell the stories of resilience and recovery that inspire real change.
Your support allows us to be there at critical moments like this. Together, we’re helping to close painful chapters and open hopeful new ones.
