Chimp Haven, the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary, will once again open its doors to guests of all ages for a rare look into the lives of chimp families in their forested habitats. Chimpanzee Discovery Day returns on Saturday, October 17, from 9 a.m. to noon, with “Chimp or Treat” fall-themed activities featuring treats, pant-hoots and plenty of opportunities to learn with the chimps.
Guests can experience a seasonal twist on this unique, 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.
For an even closer look at sanctuary life, guests can extend their Discovery Day visit 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 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.”
Chimpanzee Discovery Day Event Details:
· Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
· Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Chimps are most active in the morning!)
· Tickets: Available online only at https://chimphaven.org/event/
o Discovery Day tickets are $20 for adult visitors ages 13 and older; $10 for children ages 5 through 12; and 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 at https://chimphaven.org/event/
· 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; and 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 – November 14: Enjoy an exclusive sanctuary experience featuring lunch with views of the chimps, a private tour and a chimpanzee painting session, plus a one-of-a-kind painting to take home. More details at: https://chimphaven.org/event/
· 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. Learn more at: https://chimphaven.org/event/
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.
For those unable to visit in person, a virtual tour is available at chimphaven.org/visit/digital-