Chimp Cats Event Offers Rare Chance to Enter Shreveport Area Chimpanzee Sanctuary

KEITHVILLE, Louisiana (KTAL / KMSS) – For the first time in over a year, Chimp Haven, the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary, opens its doors for an exclusive, paid-for opportunity to take a peek at the inside the forest.

This fall, the Chimp Chats event will give guests the rare opportunity to get a glimpse inside the wooded 200-acre campus that more than 330 chimpanzees know as their home. From October 22-23, visitors will be invited to explore the sanctuary and admire the lush habitats where chimpanzees now live and play, most of whom are retired from biomedical research. Chimpanzee-loving guests will gather outside for a special presentation from a member of the animal care staff and an exclusive tour of the sanctuary.

Animal shelters are rarely open to the public. For the safety of chimpanzees and human visitors, due to COVID-19 precautions, Chimp Haven has canceled all public events from March 2020. Chimp Haven will begin welcoming visitors with Chimp Chats, limited to intimate groups of 25 and organized outdoors, but offer behind-the-scenes access to chimpanzees and staff.

“We are happy to once again be able to welcome visitors to the site where they will have the chance to watch chimpanzees climb, play and explore the forest, and simply experience ‘the life of a chimpanzee’,” said Rana, president and chief of the management of Chimp Haven. Black-smith. “Visiting Chimp Haven is truly a once in a lifetime experience, and we missed the opportunity to share this amazing place with guests at our special events.”

For the protection of chimpanzees, staff and visitors, strict COVID-19 safety protocols must be followed to attend. Masks must be worn at all times, regardless of vaccination status. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of the event will also be required. Tickets cost $ 75 per person and are available for ages 10 and up by visiting chimphaven.org/visit/.

Upcoming Chimp Chat dates include:

• Friday, October 22, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday 23 October from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Saturday November 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Saturday, November 13, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

A virtual tour is also available for anyone unable to make it to the shrine. To take the virtual tour, visit chimphaven.org/visit/digital-tour/