INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The culmination of the Great Chimpanzee Migration on Dec. 14, 2011 was clearly a cause for celebration. In honor of the occasion, and to thank donors who have contributed to the successful rescue of the sanctuary’s magnificent residents, Save the Chimps hosted its first-ever member event this last weekend.
The Migration began in September 2002, but the journey actually began in 1997 with the mission of the late Carole Noon, Ph.D. to create a sanctuary for chimps used in research, entertainment or the pet trade. Initially hoping to rescue 21 discarded Air Force “space chimps,” her initiative became an entirely different undertaking after being awarded custody of 266 chimpanzees from the notorious Coulston Foundation biomedical research laboratory in New Mexico.
The resulting chimp relocation has been a long, arduous and expensive process, but Dr. Noon’s dream has slowly evolved, and today Save the Chimps is the largest chimpanzee rescue sanctuary in the world.
Approximately 250 people took advantage of the opportunity to visit the impressive 150-acre haven, and the 274 chimpanzees currently residing on twelve “islands in the sun.”
“It’s going great,” said Triana Romero, director of communications. “The people are loving it and the chimps seem to be enjoying it too.”
The sanctuary is not open to the public so this was a unique chance for visitors to see the chimps relishing cage-free lives in large, compatible family groups. It’s quite a change from their previous lives spent in dungeonesque isolation.
The chimps almost seemed to sense that the visitors were interested in their welfare, and called out to the groups with loud pant-hoot greetings. To the delight of the camera wielding visitors, many appeared to relish the attention, engaging in chimp antics and giving the group the “Bronx cheer.” Still others preferred to watch from a distance, relaxing on their climbing structures and resting in the shade.
“They’re not used to seeing crowds,” said sanctuary director Jen Feuerstein as she guided one of the tours. “We are all really proud of what we do. We hope to make this an annual event.”
“When I saw the article about this I was so excited,” said Rose Noelke, visiting with her two grandchildren. Noelke works with Everglades Farm Equipment which has supplied the facility with tractors, but this was the first chance she had to visit.
“I met Dr. Noon when they first started. I think this is just a fabulous opportunity; it’s so special. To see all this makes you want to get more involved.”
“This is a special treat,” agreed Trish White, who added she was thinking about becoming a volunteer. “I think it’s exciting to see all these chimps out of cages.”
Her friend Diane Quinn was equally enthused about the experience saying, “I didn’t know what to expect. This is amazing; it’s wonderful.”
With an annual care cost of $15,000 per chimp, fundraising is essential, and Save the Chimps offers various membership levels, an Adopt a Chimp program, sponsorship and naming opportunities, and an Amazon wish list of needs and treats.
