Chimp Haven Brings Back Fan-Favorite Discovery Day
KEITHVILLE, La (press release) – Chimp Haven will open to visitors for Chimpanzee Discovery Day this month, offering the rare opportunity for the public to get a glimpse inside the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary, an event that happens only twice each year. A full slate of fall activities is planned with treats for guests – and the chimps.
Chimpanzee Discovery Day will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon, inviting guests to explore the sanctuary and witness the lush, forested habitats where the chimpanzees, most of whom are retired from bio-medical research, now live and play. Animal sanctuaries, focused on providing animal care in a natural setting, seldomly open to the public. The tickets are $20 for age 13 and older or $10 for ages 5-12, and must be purchased online in advance.
Guests are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes for this fall-themed morning of fun as they observe chimpanzees in their forested habitat and enjoy family-friendly activities with the staff. Activities will include making “Chimp or Treat” bags, collecting candy at educational stations, and enjoying apple cider and beignets. Guests also are encouraged to bring a treat for the chimps in the form of canned pumpkin, a fall favorite of Chimp Haven’s residents.
“We are delighted once again to welcome the community inside Chimp Haven and share the joys of witnessing our chimp families living ‘The Chimp Life’ in the sanctuary’s beautiful, pine-forested setting,” said Chimp Haven President and CEO Rana Smith. “Visiting Chimp Haven is a special, unique experience, and this year we are excited to add fun fall activities that will be enriching for guests and chimpanzees alike.”
Chimpanzee care experts will be on-hand to talk about the chimpanzees’ individual personalities, what they eat, the specialized veterinary care they receive and to answer questions about the sanctuary’s more than 300 residents. Guests also can take a behind-the-scenes tour of this growing sanctuary and discover the rich natural wonders on the property.
Chimpanzee Discovery Day is open to all ages. Tickets are available online only in advance at chimphaven.org/visit. Tickets are $20 for visitors age 13 and older or $10 for ages 5-12; children 4 and under are free, but still need a ticket. Chimp Haven recommends arriving at 9 a.m. when the chimps are most active after a night’s rest!
Additional 2023 events:
Brunch in the Wild: Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon, brings a one-of-a-kind experience featuring a delicious brunch, observation of a chimp painting, private tour of the sanctuary, and more special opportunities to view the chimps. This experience is $300 per person and available to ages 7 or older. A spring 2024 brunch date is scheduled for March 24.
Enrichment with the Chimps: Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to noon, guests will get a behind-the-scenes look at Chimp Life but also have access to the special experience of preparing enrichment for the chimpanzees. Tickets are $100 per person and participants must be age 7 or older. The next enrichment event date is set for March 2, 2024.
Private Tours: Private tours start at a minimum donation of $500 (tax-deductible) for up to six guests, or $1,000 for up to 12 participants. All participants must be age 7 or older. VIP tours are available during normal business hours and typically last two hours. The duration of the tour is held outdoors.
A virtual tour also is available for anyone unable to travel to the sanctuary. To take the virtual tour, visit chimphaven.org/visit/digital-tour/
