The Surprising Way Your Old Books Help Chimp Haven’s Famous Residents

I know sometimes it doesn't feel like it, but the Shreveport area does actually have a lot of cool stuff. Championship winning hockey team, great restaurants, cool community events...it has a lot more going on than we give ourselves credit for.

But, one of the coolest things we have in our area that doesn't get talked about nearly enough is Chimp Haven. Located out in Keithville, the 200+ acre sanctuary does a lot of cool stuff for hundreds of their resident chimpanzees.

They were featured in the Disney+/National Geographic series "Meet the Chimps", which is worth the watch if you haven't.

It's not generally open to the public, but every once in a while, they'll have cool community events like "Brunch with the Chimps". Whether you've ever actually been out there or not, it's a cool place that deserves all the love and support. And right now, they have what an odd need that you might be able to help out with.

Your Old Books Could Be a True Treat for Keithville Chimps

I don't know if you know this or not, but chimps are highly intelligent creatures. They've shown the ability to remember, cooperate, tool use, various language capabilities...they truly are magnificent. Again, if you want to see the chimps in action and how truly incredible they are, watch "Meet the Chimps".

TAKE A WALK DOWN KEITHVILLE'S INCREDIBLE "MONKEY TRAIL"

I say all that to say this - because of their intelligence and unique needs - sometimes Chimp Haven has the need for what might on the surface be odd donation requests, but they actually really help out their chimp population. This time, Chimp Haven is asking for folks to send them their unwanted children's books.

You may be thinking "what could a chimp want with a book?". Good question. Here's what the fine folks at Chimp Haven had to say:

Many chimps love flipping through brightly colored children's books as a form of enrichment (and they’re excellent recyclers – when they’ve flipped through the pages to their content, they use them to make their nests).

Chimps have been known to be painters...so why wouldn't they appreciate the art contained in Dr. Suess books? Plus, it helps them build nests. Win-win situation.

So, if you have any children's books laying around, Chimp Haven and their wonderful inhabitants sure could use them. They are asking that all book donations arrive before February 25th.

You can mail them off to: