The Keithville Krewe   Thank You For Caring About The Keithville Krewe!  Dear Friends of the Krewe, On behalf of the chimpanzees Sarah, Sheba, Keeli, Ivy, Harper and Emma, the Chimp Haven staff and Board of Directors – our deepest appreciation to the many individuals who have helped to support the Krewe since their arrival at Chimp Haven two and a half years ago.  Your encouragement, support and concern for these special chimpanzees are inspiring.  The chimpanzees have benefitted from your visits, monetary support and many gifts of blankets, toys, goodie boxes and special bean cakes!          February 12th is Harper’s 9th birthday.  He arrived here as a youngster and has grown into a handsome, strong and socially-savvy young adult.  Every day he learns so much about being a chimpanzee from the other adult males in his group.  Of course, Harper will always have his playful side and endearing personality – making him a favorite of the chimpanzees and humans alike! We at Chimp Haven are honored to have the opportunity to know these chimpanzees and provide them with a loving home. We are thrilled at the prospect that they remain here for the rest of their lives. In gratitude, Linda Brent     For Immediate Release, February 12, 2009   Lawsuit to Remove Chimpanzees from Chimp Haven Dismissed by San Antonio Appellate Court  KEITHVILLE, La.—On Wednesday, February 11, 2009, the Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio reversed and dismissed the lawsuit against Chimp Haven filed by Primarily Primates.  The court reversed a previous decision by Bexar County Judge Peden who declared that the chimpanzees belonged to Primarily Primates.    The chimpanzees were brought to Chimp Haven, a nationally-recognized chimpanzee sanctuary in Northwest Louisiana, in November, 2006 when the State of Texas seized Primarily Primates and placed it into receivership.  Chimp Haven stepped forward to help the chimpanzees in need, but was sued by Primarily Primates when the receivership was terminated.     Chief Justice Stone of the Fourth Court of Appeals noted that the Bexar County Court lacked jurisdiction and so the trial court judgment was reversed and the case was dismissed.    “Chimp Haven is pleased with the opinion of the Court of Appeals,” commented Dr. Linda Brent, Chimp Haven’s President and Director.  “We look forward to continuing to provide excellent care to the chimpanzees Sarah, Sheba, Keeli, Ivy, Harper and Emma for the rest of their lives at Chimp Haven.  Today is also Harper’s 9th birthday so we have many reasons to celebrate.”    Chimp Haven is engaged in talks with Primarily Primates to ensure that Chimp Haven is their permanent home.  The six chimpanzees currently live together in a large family group with spacious indoor bedrooms and an outdoor playground.      Read about the recent decision in the Shreveport Times and the San Antonio Express News Click here to see some recent pictures of the Krewe! Sarah Sarah was born in approximately 1962 (47 yrs old) in the wild of Africa. Sarah has spent most of her life in cognitive research and is well-known to students of primatology for her work in Dr. David Premack’s lab at the University of Pennsylvania, with work documented in The Mind of an Ape (1983). Sarah was first exposed to language token training in 1967, and even used a special keyboard with symbols to communicate. In 1987, Sarah was sent to Dr. Boysen’s Chimpanzee Center. Sarah even has her own listing in Wikipedia! Sarah is a very matronly female who is extremely intelligent and knows exactly what she wants. Sarah especially likes the attention of the older males in her group (Bo, Steve, Harry and Billy Ray), who dote on her. Sarah is the “queen”, famous, serious, quiet, determined, stubborn, and resilient. Sheba Sheba was born on September 4, 1981 (26 yrs old) at the Columbus Zoo. She has spent the majority of her life at the OSU Chimpanzee Center. Sheba is incredibly intelligent and even knows how to count. Sheba will point to doors, food and locks when she wants you to do something for her. Sheba is very protective of the younger chimpanzees. She has a wonderful smile! Sheba is the “diva”, beautiful, deserving, demanding, protective, and brilliant. Keeli Keeli was born on June 8, 1997 (10 yrs old) at Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research and transferred to the OSU Chimpanzee Center as an infant with Ivy. Keeli is an extremely handsome robust male who loves attention. Keeli is a typical young male chimpanzee that likes to display and show off on a regular basis. He is a great buddy to Cody, another young male in the group. Keeli is the “show off”, handsome, strong, tender and sociable. Ivy Ivy was born on October 9, 1996 (11 yrs old) at Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research and was transferred to the OSU Chimpanzee Center as an infant with Keeli. Ivy is sometimes a bratty adolescent who enjoys stirring up a little trouble now and then, but is always sure to make up with anyone she might have annoyed. Ivy also loves to groom. She is bold and sometimes even taunts the adult males. Ivy is the “brat”, spoiled, mischievous, playful, powerful, brave and wily. Harper Harper was born on February 12, 2000 (8 yrs old) at UTMD Anderson Cancer Center and transferred to the OSU Chimpanzee Center as an infant with Emma. Harper is a very sweet boy just trying to learn how to be a big male chimpanzee. Harper is very attached to older males in the group and follows them around. Harper can also be spotted engaging the older males and others in play that always ends in laughter from all involved. Harper is “endearing”, cute, happy, a joker, and good-natured. Emma Emma was born on June 9, 2000 (7 yrs old) at UTMD Anderson Cancer center and transferred to OSU Chimp Center as an infant with Harper. Emma is a small, young female who absolutely loves attention from people but is a bit shy around the other chimpanzees. Emma does enjoy being with the other females in her group and is becoming more socially sophisticated within the group with every passing day. Emma is a ham for attention; showing off her teeth, nose and other body parts. Emma is “adorable”, persistent, thoughtful, pretty and agile.