Chimp Haven is opening its doors this spring to the public for a rare glimpse inside the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary, and tickets are going fast!
Chimpanzee Discovery Day – an event that happens only twice a year — will be held on Saturday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to noon. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the sanctuary and witness the lush, forested habitats where the chimpanzees live and play. Animal sanctuaries, focused on providing animal care in a natural setting, are seldomly open to the public.
“Welcoming the community into Chimp Haven’s beautiful grounds where they can see chimpanzees living their best lives — what we like to call ‘the chimp life’ — is always exhilarating,” said Chimp Haven President and CEO Rana Smith. “Chimpanzee Discovery Day is a unique experience for visitors, but it also allows us to express gratitude to Chimp Haven’s many supporters. We do expect this event to sell out, so if you’d like to visit, please purchase your tickets now.”
Chimpanzee care experts will be on-hand to talk about the chimpanzees’ individual personalities, what they eat, and the specialized veterinary care they receive, and to answer questions about the sanctuary’s more than 300 residents, most of whom are retired from biomedical research. 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 must be purchased in advance and are available online only at chimphaven.org/events/. Tickets are $20 for adult visitors aged 13 and older, $10 for children ages 5 through 12, and free for children 4 and younger. Chimp Haven recommends arriving at 9 a.m. when the chimps are most active after a night’s rest!
For those wishing for a more personalized, behind-the-scenes experience, private tours are available to schedule in advance throughout the year. A minimum donation of $500 (tax-deductible) for up to six guests and $1,000 for up to 12 guests is required for a private tour. 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/