It’s pumpkin season at Chimp Haven, the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary, and the residents are celebrating with a day of Halloween enrichment that turned forested habitats into fall playgrounds. Dozens of pumpkins were scattered across the sanctuary to encourage natural foraging, exploration and social behaviors.
“Enrichment like this brings out a beautiful range of natural behaviors,” said Michelle Reininger, Chimp Haven’s Colony Director. “You’ll see foraging, sharing, and playful exploration, all reflections of the choice and freedom sanctuary life provides.”
Some residents approached the enrichment with curiosity and patience; others dove in enthusiastically. December perched near a favorite tree to savor his find. Nope slipped deep into the foliage for a quiet snack. Longtime companions Inky and Mocha shared a sweet exchange, with Mocha politely asking for a bite and Inky obliging.
At Chimp Haven, enrichment is an essential part of the chimps’ lives. The sanctuary’s team designs activities that engage both mind and body through food-based puzzles, foraging opportunities, or seasonal surprises like pumpkins. The goal is to create an environment where every chimpanzee can express natural behaviors and thrive within their social groups.
Chimp Haven serves fresh produce twice daily, including leafy greens, vegetables such as eggplant, bell peppers, and broccoli, starches such as sweet potatoes, and a special fruit. This is part of a nutrition plan tailored to the needs of retired research chimpanzees.
Chimp Haven is a private, nonprofit refuge on 200 acres of forested land in Northwest Louisiana, and home to 300 chimps retired from biomedical research. For those interested in visiting the sanctuary, Chimp Haven has several public events planned throughout the year. To learn more, visit www.chimphaven.org/plan-your-visit.