Tickets Available for Exclusive Fall Chimpanzee Discovery Day

KEITHVILLE, La. (press release) – Chimpanzee Discovery Day returns to Chimp Haven on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.,  with “Chimp or Treat” fall-themed activities featuring treats, pant-hoots and plenty of opportunities to learn with the chimps.

At this Saturday’s Chimpanzee Discovery Day, guests can experience a seasonal twist on the twice-annual event, with opportunities to watch chimps enjoy fall-themed treats and enrichment and hear from Chimp Haven experts about chimp behavior, veterinary care and daily life at the sanctuary. 

“Chimp or Treat” stations will add hands-on fall fun with interactive activities, while optional hayride tours are also available.

“Chimp Haven is a sanctuary dedicated to providing care in natural settings, so we rarely open to the public,” said Chimp Haven President and CEO Rana Smith. “Opening our doors for Discovery Day is something we truly cherish because we get to bring visitors into our world and share some of the joy and wonder we experience caring for the chimps each day. It’s also a special way to say thank you for the community’s support. This fall, we’re adding a little ‘Chimp or Treat’ fun, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

Also explore the $5.6M Chimp Haven habitat expansion.

Chimpanzee Discovery Day Addition

For an even closer look at sanctuary life, guests can extend Chimpanzee Discovery Day with Chimp Chat, a separate ticketed experience held from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Guests ages 7 and older can take a special tour of the lush 200-acre sanctuary and join an in-depth conversation with Chimp Haven experts.

Chimp Chat, from Chimp Haven

Chimpanzee Discovery Day Event Details

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Chimps are most active in the morning!)
• Tickets: Available online only, Chimpanzee Discovery Day tickets are:
  • $20 for adult visitors ages 13 and older
  • $10 for children ages 5 through 12
  • Free for children four and younger. 
• Chimp Chat (extended experience): 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., ages 7 and older
  • Tickets are $80 and include Discovery Day admission. Purchase tickets online.
• Interested in bringing a special gift for the chimps? Guests can donate items from the chimps’ fall wish list at the event. Requested items include:
  • New, unopened jars of peanut butter
  • Canned fruit packed in water or its own juice
  • Low-sodium canned vegetables
  • Unsalted nuts and dried fruit
  • New, unused Squishmallows or blankets
  • Plain instant mashed potatoes.

More Ways to Visit Chimp Haven

Can’t make it this time? There are other ways to experience the sanctuary:

• Lunch in the Wild: Bananas, Bites and Brushstrokes with the Chimps – Nov. 14: Enjoy an exclusive sanctuary experience featuring lunch with views of the chimps, a private tour and a chimpanzee painting session and a one-of-a-kind painting to take home.
• Enrichment with the Chimps – March 13: Get a behind-the-scenes look at Chimp Life and a special opportunity to prepare enrichment for the chimpanzees.
• Private and VIP Tours: For those looking for a more personal and in-depth visit, private and VIP tours are available year-round by appointment. Tours require a minimum donation of $500 (tax-deductible) for up to six guests or $1,000 for groups of up to 12. All participants must be seven or older. These two-hour outdoor experiences provide an intimate look at sanctuary life and the chimpanzees who call it home.
• Virtual Tours: For those unable to visit in person, a virtual tour is available.