Chimp Haven hosting Chimpanzee Discovery Days | Community Spirit

Chimpanzee Discover Days kicks off its fall season from 9 a.m. - noon on Saturday, September 15. Chimp Haven hosts these days as a way for families to see the animals in their natural habitat, and to learn about they live and socialize.

This month’s focus is on health and exercise. Visitors will learn how Chimp Haven combats chimpanzee obesity through exercise. Chimp Haven staff will teach visitors how to do the exercises too. Kids and adults will learn how to walk like a chimpanzee and use tools to fetch goodies out of an anthill. Other interactive activities will also be available for people of all ages. Visitors will also get to view the chimpanzees in their naturalistic environment and staff will be on hand to answer questions. Spectators may also catch a glimpse of the Haven’s newest additions, Valentina Rose, who is six months old and Natalie who is one month old.

Don’t forget to wear pink! In support of the Komen Northwest Louisiana Race for the Cure® and in conjunction with this Chimpanzee Discovery Day health and exercise theme, we are encouraging visitors to wear pink to Chimp Haven.

Admission is free, but everyone is encouraged to bring a contribution for the chimpanzees. Among the items needed are peanut butter, bread, honey, sugar free Jello, large jars of applesauce, sugar free juice mix, strawberry or vanilla Ensure, Craisins, Oatmeal (not quick oats), Stuffing mix, Nutra-grain bars, animal crackers, mixed nuts in the shell in a sealed bag, juice concentrate (grape, orange, or apple) sugar free or regular, long handled mixing spoons, back scratchers and Squeegees.

Each Chimpanzee Discovery Day is unique, as staff organizes entertaining and educational opportunities that are appropriate for the whole family. Part of Chimp Haven’s mission is dedicated to providing educational opportunities to the community. These efforts are focused on increasing awareness of endangered primates, particularly chimpanzees, and the need for their conservation in the wild and protection in captivity. Plan to arrive early for the best opportunity to view the chimpanzees. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Mark your calendars for Chimp Haven’s Fall Festival held in conjunction with the October Chimpanzee Discovery Day on October 20, 2012. Visitors will experience an autumn celebration filled with a straw maze, pick-your–own-pumpkin patch, photo opportunities, face painting, farmer’s market, music, and hay rides.

About Chimp Haven: Chimp Haven, The National Chimpanzee Sanctuary, is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide a permanent retirement sanctuary for chimpanzees no longer used for biomedical research, entertainment, or as pets. Located 25 miles southwest of Shreveport, La. in the Eddie D. Jones Nature Park in Caddo Parish, Chimp Haven opened its doors in Phase I to the first residents in April 2005.