In the spring of 1999, prominent experts in chimpanzee behavior, facility design, architecture, and wildlife biology convened in Shreveport for a facility design workshop. The resulting plans represent a cost-effective, species-specific facility: a model sanctuary for hundreds of chimpanzees. Chimp Haven’s plans for Phase I and Phase II for the first state-of-the-art facility can house up to 200 chimpanzees.

Chimp Haven has developed a facility tailored to the needs of the chimpanzees.  The construction goal was to offer an environment that stimulates behaviors similar to wild chimpanzees, including large social groups, fission-fusion social organization, environmental manipulation, nesting and foraging behavior.  The Chimp Haven plan includes an interconnected network of cozy indoor bedrooms, outdoor courtyards and play yards, and large, forested habitats of up to five acres.  Chimpanzees can live in pairs, small groups or large groups depending on their physical and psychological needs.  Individuals can choose from a number of different areas to rest or roam - options particularly important for larger groups of 10 to 20 members.  This system offers a unique opportunity for the development of fission-fusion social organization typical of wild chimpanzees, where individuals choose to travel alone or in groups of various sizes.

Upon arrival at Chimp Haven, new residents are initially housed with familiar individuals while their health and behavior are evaluated and they acclimate to the new surroundings and people.  They are then introduced to other chimpanzees in the indoor introduction rooms or outdoor play yards.  The facility design eases transfer of chimpanzees around the facility, so that compatible groups are formed and individuals can receive personal rehabilitation as required.  As group sizes are increased, the chimpanzees may be moved to larger outdoor enclosures.  Some individuals may remain in small indoor/outdoor courtyards due to health considerations, age or incompatibility.  Chimpanzees previously used in medical research are housed in Phase II, where many groups can be accommodated.

Natural groundcover, trees and climbing structures provide the backdrop for a stimulating and responsive environment necessary for chimpanzee development and rehabilitation.   The chimpanzees can make sleeping nests from hay or vegetation provided in the bedrooms, or fashion a nest from the trees and plants in the habitat.  Towering trees and 20-foot climbing structures offer views of the surrounding area as well as climbing, swinging and resting options.  In addition to the wealth of stimulation awaiting the chimpanzees in the forest, a number of environmental enrichment options occupy the chimpanzees’ hands and minds.  Not only can the Chimp Haven residents fashion a tool to retrieve fruit puree from a feeder, but they can view themselves in mirrors, investigate the contents of a goodie bag, and suck on an “apesicle” in the warm summer.

All required support areas are available at the sanctuary.  Two veterinary treatment areas are available for physical examinations, treatments and minor surgery to maintain the health of the colony.  Two food preparation and enrichment kitchens are the site for preparing the daily diet and activities.  The administrative offices and conference room are on the second floor of the Central Residence.  The public affairs office is nearby.  A modular concept has been used to arrange the different buildings in a manner most consistent with the topography of the land and availability of utilities.  A single entry to the facility and security fencing assists with safety and access issues. 

Applicable federal, state and local laws regulate the operation of Chimp Haven facilities.  All operations meet or exceed requirements of the Animal Welfare Act.  Chimp Haven maintains licensing with the USDA and compliance with inspection and reporting procedures.  Chimp Haven has been received full accreditation with exemplary review by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation for Laboratory Animal Care, International.

Future development of the sanctuary includes the expansion of the Chimpanzee Trails education area to include classroom space, restrooms, and a Learning Center.  This will accommodate our mission to provide education to the public about chimpanzees and encourage care and concern for this endangered species.  Additional chimpanzee housing, including more large forested habitats, will provide space for more chimpanzee residents in the future, including space for Rescue Chimpanzees.