Latest news with #RanaSmith
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Chimp Haven marks Mother's Day with floral sensory treats
KEITHVILLE, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — The chimpanzee of Chimp Haven had the opportunity to enjoy 'floral themed enrichment' featuring delicate, pastel-hued roses offering a fragrant twist to the day. For Mother's Day, over 300 chimpanzees at Chimp Haven sanctuary had the opportunity to taste and explore a new sensory experience in Keithville, 40 minutes south of Shreveport. 'Mother's Day is another opportunity for us to provide a joyful, enriching moment that resonates with the chimps,' said Rana Smith, President and CEO of Chimp Haven. 'The roses are a beautiful way to honor the day while supporting natural behaviors like foraging and curiosity.' Chimp Haven said Grace was first to select her flower, and enjoyed a quiet moment, a rose in hand. Pumpkin fully embraced the floral celebration, and Murphy wasted no time gathering an armful of blooms. Oldest New Mexico troop settles in Chimp Haven These simple, thoughtful touches reflect Chimp Haven's ongoing commitment to creative enrichment that celebrates each resident's personality. Chimp Haze is located on 200 acres of rich forested land at 13600 Chimpanzee Place,Keithville. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Remaining Alamogordo research chimpanzees move to new home in Louisiana
ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (KRQE) – The remaining chimpanzees that were housed at a former research facility in New Mexico have found a new home. The final group of six chimpanzees recently made their way to Chimp Haven, the world's largest chimpanzee sanctuary, in northwest Louisiana. In total, 21 chimps that were used for biomedical research at Alamogordo Primate Facility (APF), located on Holloman Air Force Base, have been brought to the 200-acre sanctuary over the last 11 weeks. These chimpanzees are among the oldest and most fragile to ever enter sanctuary, with many in their 50s and 60s. 'These chimps, who have spent so many years waiting, are finally home,' Rana Smith, Chimp Haven President and CEO, stated in a news release. 'This is not just a momentous occasion for Chimp Haven, but for every person who worked tirelessly to make this possible. These chimps now have the space to roam, the care they need, and the chance to form deep, lasting relationships with their new companions.' The chimpanzees are in the process of integrating into Chimp Haven. So far, two wild-born males, Al and Kamaka, have joined a social group led by Tabu, a confident male, and four strong females, according to the news release. Chimp Haven said the duo have been observed grooming, playing, and resting with other chimps, signaling that their transition is off to a strong start. The National Institutes of Health stopped funding biomedical research on chimpanzees in 2015. According to the federal agency's website, all the chimpanzees at the Alamogordo Primate Facility were exposed to various microorganisms, such as hepatitis C virus and HIV. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Chimp Haven, the world's largest chimpanzee sanctuary
Spread out across 200 acres in Northwest Louisiana, Chimp Haven is the world's largest chimpanzee sanctuary. Every detail, from the moat to the meal plan, has been designed to ensure the more than 300 residents here are getting the most out of their retirement years. "A lot of the chimpanzees that are here, they spent decades in biomedical research before coming to sanctuary, but Chimp Haven provides their happy endings," said Rana Smith, the president and CEO of Chimp Haven. "Chimpanzees have been used in research for decades," Smith explained. "So, back in the 1950s and 1960s, they were part of the NASA space program, and in the '70s, kind of moved into infectious disease." Chimpanzees were instrumental in the development of everything from rocket ships to the Hepatitis B vaccine. In the 1980s, they were used in HIV research. But, precisely because of how similar they are to us, attitudes about chimp research began to change — in 2000, Congress passed the CHIMP Act, establishing a sanctuary system to care for retired research chimpanzees. At the time, lawmakers introduced the Act as a "humane" piece of legislation meant to protect "a group who have no lobby." It required the National Institutes of Health to kick in 75% of the funding for retirees, which isn't peanuts. It costs around $25,000 a year to care for each chimp, with donations supplementing federal funds. The banana budget alone is impressive — they go through 117,000 of them a year. Colony Director Michelle Reininger, like all staff at Chimp Haven, knows each of the chimps by name. Reininger said, for her, their personalities set these animals apart from any other species. "I like the sassy ones," she said. "I like the ones who you have to really work hard to get them to respond to you, and to trust you. When you get that trust, there's no feeling like it in the world, to have that bond with an animal." Days at the sanctuary are full of head scratches and lots of lazing around. The animals also receive regular checkups from veterinarian Raven Jackson. "Chimpanzee medicine is challenging," Jackson said. "It's like working with a really strong toddler. And so, I always say, each day I start with, 'Am I smarter than a chimp?'" There are days when Jackson feels outsmarted. "I work for them and they don't work for me," she laughed. Since Jackson's patients were retired at different ages, and a few are rescues or former pets, she treats a wide variety of conditions. Some of the chimps are as young as 7, while others are in their mid-60s. "We see the full gamut," Jackson said. "It keeps things very interesting. And I think it also keeps things interesting for the chimpanzees, because we're able to put them in these very dynamic social groupings where you're going to see various age ranges." Each of the 30 or so groups has its own characteristics and alpha leader. They don't always get along, but they're quick to make up. "They always want to reconcile very quickly," said Jackson. "It taught me, hey, it isn't worth holding onto anything. Like, learn from the chimps. Let it go. Reconcile, so that you can continue to move forward as a group." Moving forward a sanctuary like Chimp Haven may one day be unnecessary. Ten years ago, the NIH announced that it would no longer support any biomedical research on chimpanzees. While there are still some new arrivals — chimps that labs had initially deemed too challenging to move — eventually there will no longer be chimpanzees "retiring" from careers they never chose. Asked whether humans owe a debt to the chimpanzees, Smith replied: "Chimpanzees have given so much of their life to science. And we feel like it's our responsibility, and the government's responsibility to care for those chimps for the rest of their life." Idaho teen with autism dies after controversial police shooting Gayle King, all-female crew get ready to blast off into space Monday President Zelenskyy invites President Trump to Ukraine | Sunday on 60 Minutes
CBS News
13-04-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Chimp Haven, the world's largest chimpanzee sanctuary
Spread out across 200 acres in Northwest Louisiana, Chimp Haven is the world's largest chimpanzee sanctuary. Every detail, from the moat to the meal plan, has been designed to ensure the more than 300 residents here are getting the most out of their retirement years. "A lot of the chimpanzees that are here, they spent decades in biomedical research before coming to sanctuary, but Chimp Haven provides their happy endings," said Rana Smith, the president and CEO of Chimp Haven. "Chimpanzees have been used in research for decades," Smith explained. "So, back in the 1950s and 1960s, they were part of the NASA space program, and in the '70s, kind of moved into infectious disease." Chimpanzees were instrumental in the development of everything from rocket ships to the Hepatitis B vaccine. In the 1980s, they were used in HIV research. But, precisely because of how similar they are to us, attitudes about chimp research began to change — in 2000, Congress passed the CHIMP Act, establishing a sanctuary system to care for retired research chimpanzees. At the time, lawmakers introduced the Act as a "humane" piece of legislation meant to protect "a group who have no lobby." It required the National Institutes of Health to kick in 75% of the funding for retirees, which isn't peanuts. It costs around $25,000 a year to care for each chimp, with donations supplementing federal funds. The banana budget alone is impressive — they go through 117,000 of them a year. Colony Director Michelle Reininger, like all staff at Chimp Haven, knows each of the chimps by name. Reininger said, for her, their personalities set these animals apart from any other species. "I like the sassy ones," she said. "I like the ones who you have to really work hard to get them to respond to you, and to trust you. When you get that trust, there's no feeling like it in the world, to have that bond with an animal." Days at the sanctuary are full of head scratches and lots of lazing around. The animals also receive regular checkups from veterinarian Raven Jackson. "Chimpanzee medicine is challenging," Jackson said. "It's like working with a really strong toddler. And so, I always say, each day I start with, 'Am I smarter than a chimp?'" There are days when Jackson feels outsmarted. "I work for them and they don't work for me," she laughed. Since Jackson's patients were retired at different ages, and a few are rescues or former pets, she treats a wide variety of conditions. Some of the chimps are as young as 7, while others are in their mid-60s. "We see the full gamut," Jackson said. "It keeps things very interesting. And I think it also keeps things interesting for the chimpanzees, because we're able to put them in these very dynamic social groupings where you're going to see various age ranges." Each of the 30 or so groups has its own characteristics and alpha leader. They don't always get along, but they're quick to make up. "They always want to reconcile very quickly," said Jackson. "It taught me, hey, it isn't worth holding onto anything. Like, learn from the chimps. Let it go. Reconcile, so that you can continue to move forward as a group." Moving forward a sanctuary like Chimp Haven may one day be unnecessary. Ten years ago, the NIH announced that it would no longer support any biomedical research on chimpanzees. While there are still some new arrivals — chimps that labs had initially deemed too challenging to move — eventually there will no longer be chimpanzees "retiring" from careers they never chose. Asked whether humans owe a debt to the chimpanzees, Smith replied: "Chimpanzees have given so much of their life to science. And we feel like it's our responsibility, and the government's responsibility to care for those chimps for the rest of their life."
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Chimp Haven opens to public this Spring
KEITHVILLE, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Chimp Haven, the world's largest chimpanzee sanctuary, is opening its doors for a rare event this spring. According to the press release, visitors of all ages are invited to explore the lush forested habitats where more than 300 chimpanzees live and play. On Chimpanzee Discovery Day, Saturday, April 12, guests will experience behind-the-scenes tours for visitors and a limited number of hayride tickets for guided experiences in typically closed areas. Seventh Tap Brewery and Chimp Haven partner for fundraizer 'Discovery Day is a chance for visitors to experience the joy, connection, and personality that make life at Chimp Haven so special,' said Chimp Haven President and CEO Rana Smith. 'It's also our way of thanking the community for its continued support. These events often sell out, so we encourage guests to get their tickets early.' Chimpanzee Discovery Day returns on April 12 from 9 a.m. to noon. According to the organizers, the event typically occurs rain or shine. According to the news release, advance tickets are available online: $20 for adults (visitors aged 13 and older), $10 for children (ages 5 through 12), and free for children four and younger. Chimp Haven's employee nominated for 'Remarkable Woman of the Year' award Throughout the morning, visitors can engage in educational chats with caregivers about the chimps' personalities, diets, and specialized veterinary care. New/unopened jars of peanut butter Canned fruits in water or juice (i.e., no sugar or syrup added) Canned veggies (low sodium) Unsalted nuts and dried fruit New/unused Squishmellows or blankets Plain instant mashed potatoes The sanctuary recommends wearing comfortable shoes, bringing a water bottle, hat, or sunscreen, as it is outdoors. Free parking is available, but you may need to walk a short distance to the entrance. Chimp Haven is 38 minutes south of Shreveport, at 13600 Chimpanzee Pl, Keithville, LA 71047. However, if you miss the special event on May 17, a 'Brunch in the Wild' features a private tour and brunch for guests seven and above. Tickets are $300. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
