chimp haven

The chimps are retired. They once were medical, lab research, zoo animals but have been retired to the best home ever. It is a natural area where they can play & roam. They are separated from people by a huge moat. You can watch them only one weekend a month so call ahead or go on line. Bring binoculars.

My husband, my mom, and I visited Chimp Haven last September and had a life changing experience. The chimps at this sanctuary come from horrific backgrounds where many were tortured and mutilated. Some were tortured for over 50 years in the name of science. This haven is their first experience of true kindness and compassion. To see them play and love and live in a somewhat natural environment will make your heart expand as it did ours.

Thank goodness there is a place like chimp haven. These poor creatures can live out the rest of their life not being used for experiments. I wish it were open to the public more because if you want to visit you must make sure that it is on a day they are open. I think it is only about 10 days a year. This is a must see for everybody.

Chimp Haven is a rescue site that is open to the public several times each year. During these times you can view the chimps as they eat, rest and play in the trees in their enclosure. There are ereas where you can learn facts about Chimps, some designed more specifically for children. There is also a trail in the woods where you can stroll as you enjoy the out of doors in a safe place. Markers identify some of the plants seen there and also more facts on Chimp behavior. A small donation is required to enter, but it is well worth it.

You need to do your homework and see when the haven's public days are (or you can try and book a special tour for your group). When you're there, you'll learn about the history of the haven and the chimps that are retired there. You will have a chance to take photos and wave at the chimps and hopefully not have to dodge any poop. Just watching the chimps interact with each other in the large outdoor areas is a treat. There is also a hayride and other activities to do depending on the age of the visitors. There are activities for kids and programs for scouts to earn badges in. Even better, you can volunteer there and get to help feed the chimps sometimes!

For six months I worked as an intern at Chimp Haven, thus allowing me more of a behind the scenes look at the sanctuary. However, I participated at various Discovery Day/Earth Day events as a volunteer and visitor and truly enjoyed myself! The staff are friendly and extremely knowledgeable of the chimpanzees. There are plenty of activities for people of all ages but the true attraction, seeing the chimpanzees enjoying their natural habitat, is more than enough to keep you entertained for hours!

What a wonderful treasure we have in Keithville, The monkeys are so cool to visit on the Saturday's they are open to the public, to see them come running to find the fruit is so neat. And come to bike or run the trails. Some of the best in our area.

Edu-tainment! So interesting and they had a station set up so the kids could make fun, stimulating things to keep the chimps engaged. We learned so much and had fun doing it!

We have been to Chimp haven several times and we never get tired of seeing the chimps in their habitat. There is a great walking trail too.

A rescue haven for Chimps that were used for medical experiments. The chimps are let out of their sleeping compound to roam about a large park-like area. Visitors can watch the chimps from across a moated/fenced area. Volunteers have educational displays set-up, like an "archeological dig" for kids, human and chimp skeleton comparison, etc.I suggest you go early so you can see the first release at 9:15 am. Open only a few days each year: June 20 Sept 19 Oct 17 Nov 21Hours 9am - 12.Handicapped accessible with help as parking is on grass/gravel.