They Sued the Air Force and Won. Now These Chimps Get a Second Chance.
Jenna Bratcher
February 10, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Save the Chimps is an organization unlike any other. The world's largest privately funded chimpanzee sanctuary, it's home to over 200 rescued chimps on 150 acres (including five dedicated islands!) and offers a second chance for chimpanzees who have endured lives of hardship and captivity. Notably, the sanctuary was born out of a battle to rescue chimpanzees abandoned after their use in space research. Since then, it has expanded to provide refuge for chimps from biomedical research, roadside zoos, the pet trade, and even the entertainment industry. Wait until you hear the story of Tonka. It's bananas! (Sorry, couldn't resist.)
A Second Chance for Chimps
In the late 1950s, chimpanzees were either bred in captivity or taken from the wild to be trained for space travel. Most famously, Ham was the first chimpanzee astronaut sent into space in 1961. Save the Chimps' origins trace back to the plight of chimpanzees "retiring" from the U.S. space program's Mercury Project -- many were sent to a biomedical lab, where they were subjected to cruel and invasive experiments.
It was this injustice that inspired the late Dr. Carole Noon, with the support of Jon Stryker, to take action. And it was no small feat. They sued the Air Force. "Thanks to the efforts of many activists, after Carole won the lawsuit and the right to care for 21 chimpanzees, the biomedical lab declared bankruptcy and was going to be closed," explains Ana Paula Tavares, CEO of Save the Chimps. "Long story short, we bought the place and 266 of the chimpanzees that lived there."
Over the next decade, in what became known as The Great Chimpanzee Migration, the sanctuary carefully and thoughtfully transported these chimps to their new home in Fort Pierce, Florida, where they could finally experience sunlight, social interaction, and open spaces.
The Chimps of Save the Chimps
Each of the 222 chimpanzees residing at the sanctuary has a captivating survival story. Perhaps unsurprisingly, many have arrived with physical and emotional scars. But there's beauty to be found in their healing process, which happens slowly but surely through the companionship of other chimps and the dedicated care of the Save the Chimps staff.
Tonka: The Hollywood Star
Tonka was once an animal actor in the entertainment industry, appearing in Hollywood films and even performing in a live show at Universal Studios. Have you ever seen George of the Jungle or Babe: Pig in the City? That's Tonka. While you might be tempted to envision Tonka living a life of luxury given his stardom, his future took a dark turn when he was sold to a breeder and then kept in a basement cage by a private owner. In a dramatic rescue that received quite a bit of media attention, Save the Chimps intervened after receiving a call from PETA. Within days, the sanctuary team secured Tonka's safe transfer. Now, Tonka is thriving, finally experiencing the outdoors and socializing with other chimpanzees.
The Ohio Four: Cash, Lucy, Anna, and April
Rescued from a roadside zoo that doubled as entertainment for an Airbnb, Cash, Lucy, Anna, and April arrived malnourished and pale from lack of sunlight. They had lived in a space no larger than a two-car garage, deprived of proper nutrition and care.
Cash, a 13-year-old male, had only ever lived with females. Initially shy and unsure of how to interact with other males, he kept to himself. Over time, with gentle encouragement from his new companions, Cash began forging friendships. "He's super playful," says Ana Paula, "and his joy in playing with, grooming with, and learning from these other males has been really inspiring to all of us."
Anna, on the other hand, arrived with a dominant personality. Confident yet aggressive, she struggled to integrate into her new group. The other chimpanzees quickly taught her the unspoken rules of their hierarchy, helping her understand how to interact more peacefully. Thanks to Apollo, a wise and patient member of her new family, Anna learned how to navigate social dynamics.
While all four of the chimps had different challenges to overcome, they shared one thing: an appreciation for their new home. "They were clearly malnourished," Ana Paula tells us. "Who knows how much food they were given or how often they were being fed? So, when they first arrived, and the staff brought in a cart with all kinds of delicious fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens, they were so happy that they hugged each other. They vocalized and jumped around. They had a food party. They were just so thrilled and grateful."
Long story short, we bought the place and 266 of the chimpanzees that lived there.
Ana Paula Tavares, CEO of Save the Chimps
Millie: A Survivor of Medical Experiments
Millie endured more than 100 invasive procedures, including liver biopsies, during her time in biomedical research. When she first arrived at the sanctuary, she displayed signs of severe trauma, including self-harm and frequent distress calls. But with time, patience, and the companionship of other chimps, Millie found peace. She now enjoys daily grooming sessions with her friends and the freedom to explore her island.
Limbani: Learning to Be a Chimp
Limbani is the sanctuary's newest and youngest resident, and his story is unique -- he had never been with other chimpanzees before coming to Save the Chimps. Raised in captivity and treated more like a pet than a wild animal, Limbani had no idea how to interact with his own kind. His rescue marked the beginning of a new life where he could learn from other chimps, discovering the joys of socialization and the instincts he was never allowed to develop.
Magic and the Magic of Friendship
Magic, who was rescued from a wildlife center outside of Los Angeles, formed an extraordinary bond with one of her chimpanzee mates. "She just absolutely fell in love with this other chimp -- a much older, low-ranking chimp," says Ana Paula. "For some reason, she just adores him. She won't let him be further than an arm-length away from her." Their friendship has reshaped the social hierarchy -- Magic gained status through their connection, and her companion rose in rank, too. Their bond proves that the deep, emotional connections among animals are as powerful and transformative as human relationships.
A Day in the Life at Save the Chimps
Every morning at 7:30 a.m., the staff begins their day by preparing and distributing breakfast, which includes fresh fruits, vegetables, and specialized chow. The chimpanzees have the freedom to spend the day on their expansive three-to-five-acre islands or within their indoor enclosures, which are designed to mimic natural habitats as closely as possible.
Chimpanzees spend a significant portion of their day socializing, foraging, and engaging in enrichment activities. The sanctuary provides tools for problem-solving, such as man-made termite mounds filled with peanut butter, applesauce, oatmeal, or other treats, which the chimps retrieve using sticks. They also enjoy painting, playing with bubbles, and listening to music, among other things.
The veterinary team conducts regular health check-ups, monitoring conditions such as heart disease, which is common in captive chimpanzees. Many chimps even participate in voluntary medical training, allowing staff to take their blood pressure or administer vaccinations without sedation.
As the sun sets, the chimpanzees gather blankets and hay to build nests. Some prefer to sleep indoors, while others choose to rest under the stars. By nightfall, the sanctuary is filled with the sounds of chimps settling in for a peaceful sleep -- a far cry from the lives many of them once led.
Supporting Save the Chimps
Providing lifelong care for 222 chimpanzees is a monumental task, and Ana Paula acknowledges that the cost has gone up significantly in recent years. Save the Chimps relies on financial support -- the contributions help cover medical expenses, nutrition, and habitat maintenance. They also rely on volunteers to help maintain the sanctuary. "We have 157 volunteers, and our goal is to get to 200," shares Ana Paula. "They help us with hanging blankets to dry in the sun, mowing the lawn, enrichment preparation, assisting at the Veterinary Clinic, and so much more. This is a very complex operation, so we don't close. These are very strong beings. We truly believe that it's our moral responsibility to provide them with a protected, safe, and loving home."
A Sanctuary of Healing
At Save the Chimps, every rescued chimpanzee gets the chance to live with dignity, forming friendships, exploring the outdoors, and experiencing the joys of a life free from harm. Through dedication, compassion, and advocacy, the sanctuary continues to be a beacon of hope for chimps who have endured unimaginable hardships.
As Ana Paula explains, "What they really need is the companionship of each other. Like us, chimpanzees live in large social groups and learn from one another. Here, they get to do just that."
Learn more about Save the Chimps, meet more of the chimps and learn how you can get involved at savethechimps.org.
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