"Chimp Haven is a non-profit sanctuary for more than 300 chimpanzees retired from laboratory research. The 200-acre (81 ha) sanctuary is located in Eddie D. Jones Nature Park in Keithville, Louisiana, approximately 22 miles (35 km) southwest of Shreveport.

"The mission of Chimp Haven is: "To provide and promote the best care of sanctuary chimpanzees and inspire action for the species worldwide." Since 2005, more than 400 chimpanzees have found a home at Chimp Haven. As of 2021, Chimp Haven has more than 300 chimpanzees in residence. To fulfill its mission of educating the public about these endangered nonhuman primates and the need for conservation in the wild and protection in captivity, Chimp Haven has established several public education programs including Chimpanzee Discovery Days and Chimp Chat & Chew. The sanctuary also hosts veterinary, behavioral, animal care and organizational development interns throughout the year.

"Chimp Haven operates under strict standards of care that were especially created for the National Chimpanzee Sanctuary by the National Institutes of Health. Chimp Haven is the only sanctuary accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Care (AALAC). Many of the sanctuary's best practices have been adopted by other sanctuaries and zoological facilities.

"At Chimp Haven, chimpanzees retired from research experience many of the pleasures and freedoms they would have enjoyed in the wild: climbing trees, living in large, bonded social groups, and choosing how they spend their days. With some of the last remaining chimpanzees still waiting their turn to come to the sanctuary, Chimp Haven is working to complete a $20 million effort to expand the sanctuary to make room for them."  (Wikipedia)

"Genetically, chimpanzees are more closely related to humans than any other species. Because of their physiological and behavioral similarities, chimpanzees have been an attractive animal model for many researchers. In the 1980s the U.S. government launched an intensive breeding program. The resulting offspring were the intended research subjects for hepatitis and HIV studies; however, with new research models and developing technologies, the use of chimpanzees in human disease research declined in the 1990s," the official website says.

"In 2000, the CHIMP Act (Chimpanzee Health Improvement Maintenance Protection Act) was signed into law, establishing the Federal Sanctuary System. In that same year, The Parish of Caddo, Louisiana provided 200 acres of forested land, nestled in the Eddie D. Jones Nature Park, in which to build the sanctuary. Chimp Haven was awarded the federal contract to create a sanctuary where its residents could live in large social groups in spacious, outdoor habitats and where they could live out their lives in a setting that afforded them greater freedoms and self-determination.

"Currently there are more than 80 employees who are responsible for the overall care of the chimpanzees. The organization includes administrative support; husbandry and veterinary care; chimpanzee behavior, observational research and enrichment; education and facilities and grounds maintenance. Since our inception, we have cared for more than 500 chimpanzees and are currently home to more than 300."

"Many people are surprised to learn that the biggest chimpanzee sanctuary in the world is located not in Africa, but in rural Louisiana. In the tiny unincorporated town of Keithville just South of Shreveport you'll find Chimp Haven, a 200-acre sanctuary currently home to 300 chimpanzees," the Southern Living says.

"Since 1995, the nonprofit has served as a retirement community of sorts for aging chimpanzees once used by the government for medical research. The sanctuary allows chimpanzees to live the "Chimp Lives" they were deprived of previously, giving them room to explore, exercise, and live in large, social groups.

"For those who want to pay a visit to Chimp Haven, the sanctuary hosts four Chimpanzee Discovery Days a year, giving guests a rare opportunity to learn about chimps and observe them in their habitat. Admission can be paid at the entrance: $10 for visitors ages 13 and up, $5 for ages 6 to 12. There is no charge for ages 5 and younger."

"Chimp Haven, which attracts sellout crowds to its limited public events, has launched a new private tour experience especially suited for travelers wanting to make the most of their trip to the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary — home to more than 300 chimpanzees," the Drift Travel Magazine says. 

"Animal sanctuaries seldom open to the public as their top priority is animal care. Chimp Haven, a private, non-profit sanctuary, nestled in 200 forested acres near Shreveport, La., was designed entirely for chimpanzees. Here, chimps can roam woodlands, feast on fresh fruits and veggies, thrive in large families and live what Chimp Haven calls, “the chimp life.” Twice each year the sanctuary opens widely to the public for Discovery Days, which tends to incite excitement and sells out. 

"Private tour visitors will have the opportunity to observe the chimpanzees, most of whom are retired from bio-medical research, in their forested habitats and play yards, get to chat with staff about all things chimps and witness Chimp Haven’s Animal Care team in action. To submit a private tour request, please visit chimphaven.org/visit/. Want to experience the energy of Chimp Haven’s supportive Louisiana community? You can also find out how to get tickets for Discovery Day or other events on the website."

"Family travelers will want to take advantage of exclusive access this summer and fall to Chimp Haven, the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary with than 300 of the animals housed there. A new private tour experience is now available," the Wherever Family says.

"Animal sanctuaries rarely open to the public, instead focusing on animal care. The private, non-profit Chimp Haven, on 200 forested acres near Shreveport, Louisiana, allows chimps to roam woodlands, eat fresh fruits and veggies, thrive in large families and live a good life. Twice yearly, prior to this summer and fall, the sanctuary opened for Discovery Days, which quickly sold out.

"Private tours allow visitors to observe the chimpanzees, most retired from bio-medical research; chat with staff; and witness the Animal Care team in action. For a minimum tax-deductible donation of $500, groups of up to six guests ages 7 and older can schedule two-hour, outdoor, weekday private tours."

"Animal sanctuaries seldom open to the public as their top priority is animal care. Chimp Haven, a private, non-profit sanctuary, nestled in 200 forested acres near Shreveport, La., was designed entirely for chimpanzees. Here, chimps can roam woodlands, feast on fresh fruits and veggies, thrive in large families and live what Chimp Haven calls, “the chimp life.” Twice each year the sanctuary opens widely to the public for Discovery Days, which tends to incite excitement and sells out," the Louisiana Life says.

"“After the amazing response from our recent Discovery Days, it seemed fitting to introduce a new opportunity for visitors to get a chance to experience the magic of Chimp Haven in a more personal way,” said Chimp Haven President and CEO Rana Smith. “Our private tours are a great opportunity for travelers looking for an in-depth guided tour of the sanctuary. Visiting Chimp Haven is a unique experience, and we are excited to have this year-round option.”

"Private tour visitors will have the opportunity to observe the chimpanzees, most of whom are retired from bio-medical research, in their forested habitats and play yards, get to chat with staff about all things chimps and witness Chimp Haven’s Animal Care team in action.

"To submit a private tour request, please visit chimphaven.org/visit/. 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/

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