Progress for Chimps and Support for Rescues: NAVS’ Role In Animal Welfare Efforts
Ongoing support for animals in need is at the heart of NAVS’ mission. We are committed to helping rescues and sanctuaries in their work to provide safe, compassionate environments for animals that have experienced hardship. Today, we have exciting updates to share about the retirement of the remaining chimps from the Alamogordo Primate Facility and the aid NAVS provided to animal rescues impacted by natural disasters.
Landmark Decision: Alamogordo Chimps to Finally Find Sanctuary
After years of tireless advocacy by NAVS and from animal welfare partners and supporters like you, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has made a momentous decision: the last 23 chimps held at the Alamogordo Primate Facility (APF) in New Mexico will be moved to Chimp Haven, a renowned chimpanzee sanctuary. This transition marks a significant step forward for animal welfare, as these chimps, who have spent their lives in research facilities, will now experience the peace and care they have long deserved.
The NIH attributed the decision to the impending retirement of several APF staff members and the difficulty of recruiting and training qualified caregivers in rural New Mexico. This change will allow these chimps to move to a more stable, sustainable, and enriching environment at Chimp Haven, where they can enjoy their golden years in a setting tailored to their unique needs.
Chimp Haven, however, faces a challenge: space. While they’re prepared to welcome the first arrivals in early 2025, the sanctuary will need to expand its indoor and outdoor facilities to house all the chimps comfortably. Construction plans are already underway, and, with sufficient funding, they anticipate the expansion could be completed within six months. This timeline aligns with the expected arrival of the chimps following the staff retirement at APF next summer.
How NAVS Supporters Can Help: Our community can play a crucial role in helping to fund this expansion. By supporting NAVS and the Animal Sanctuary Assistance Program (ASAP), you can provide help to sanctuaries like Chimp Haven and countless others across the country. Every contribution makes a difference in bringing these chimps home to the comfort, safety, and care they deserve.
Responding to Disasters: Supporting Rescues in the Wake of Hurricane Helene
While sanctuary work involves long-term support for animals retired from research, NAVS also provides urgent assistance to organizations caring for animals affected by natural disasters. After the recent devastation of Hurricane Helene, NAVS extended support to two animal rescues that went above and beyond to provide medical care and shelter for affected animals.
- Esther Neonatal Kitten Alliance received a grant to assist with medical care and necessary supplies for kittens impacted by the hurricane in Arden, NC.
- Brother Wolf Animal Rescue was granted funds to support their foster network in Asheville, NC, supplying them with essential resources as they worked to care for animals displaced or injured by the storm.
These grants ensure that animals in the hardest-hit areas receive the immediate care they need, relieving the burden on organizations that are often stretched thin following such events. We are grateful to our supporters for enabling us to offer this assistance, helping these rescues in their efforts to rebuild and continue their life-saving work.
Looking Forward: Continued Dedication to Sanctuary and Rescue Work
As we celebrate the retirement of the Alamogordo chimps and assist organizations responding to disaster, NAVS is reminded of the importance of sanctuary and rescue support. These efforts underscore the power of community and advocacy, reflecting NAVS’ aim to protect and respect all animals.
Thank you to all who have stood with us on this journey. We are proud to bring you this hopeful news, and we look forward to the next steps in creating a better world for animals.
Help Us Keep Fighting for Animals
If you would like to contribute to our sanctuary support efforts or help expand resources for rescues in times of crisis, please consider donating to NAVS. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of animals, one step at a time.