The coronavirus pandemic has not only caused major disruptions to the lives of nearly every human being in the world; it has also affected the animal kingdom.

More specifically, the chimps of Chimp Haven, right here in Keithville.  It's been over a year since the public was allowed to visit the sanctuary, but that's all about to change.

In an interview with the Louisiana Radio Network, Chimp Haven Communication Specialist Diane Radloff, says that Louisiana's only chimpanzee sanctuary will soon hold a series of events that will allow the public to learn more about Chimp Haven.

According to Radloff, “We seldomly open to the public because our mission here at Chimp Haven is to provide and promote the best care for these chimpanzees and we want them to live life as they would in the wild."

Previous visitors to Chimp Haven can testify that's indeed how the more than 300 resident chimpanzees are living life; "in the wild."  And that's quite a remarkably positive change for these chimps as all spent their previous lives in research laboratories, so life at Chimp Haven must be Heaven on Earth for them.

The series of events that Chimp Haven is promoting are called "Chimp Chats." Radloff says they'll be two-hour events allowing participants the chance to learn more about Chimp Haven and take an exclusive tour of the sanctuary which is 22 miles southwest of Shreveport in the Eddie D. Jones Nature Park in Keithville.

Chimp Chat Dates and Times 

  • October 22 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
  • October 23 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
  • November 13 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm AND 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Radloff says that the reduced size of the groups is one of the most attractive features of these events.  “It’s a smaller more intimate event open to a group of 25 and the admission is $75.”

For more information on the Chimp Chat series, go to ChimpHaven.org.

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