Magnificent 7 celebrate eight months at home!

Tue Aug 7, 2007

Keithville, La.— It has been nearly nine months since seven chimpanzees made the journey of a lifetime to the sanctuary they now call home. Known as the “Magnificent 7,” Emma, Harper, Darrell, Keeli, Sheba, Sarah and Ivy continue to grow and flourish in their new environment, while living together in a tight-knit family group. 

Click here to see the "Magnificent 7" photo gallery

The “Magnificent 7’s” journey to Chimp Haven started when they first covered more than 1,400 miles to Primarily Primates in San Antonio, Texas, after the Chimpanzee Center at Ohio State University was closed in February 2006.  But the transfer was tragic, resulting in the death of two males (Kermit and Bobby), separation of the group, isolation of Darrel and critical weight loss in the adult females Sarah and Sheba.

In November, 2006, Chimp Haven answered the urgent appeal for help from Primarily Primates while in receivership under the State of Texas Attorney General.  Plans were quickly drawn to provide urgent medical care and transfer of the Magnificent 7 to the Chimp Haven sanctuary where they could be provided with the intensive care they needed.  Chimp Haven offered expert veterinary and behavioral staffs, medical facilities, experienced carestaff and spacious enclosures.  Our veterinary team coordinated the transfer and all of the chimpanzees arrived safely.  Within days all seven members of the group were finally reunited!

They have since enjoyed the freedom of large outdoor play yards filled with climbing structures, indoor bedrooms, nesting materials such as blankets and straw, and daily enrichment that keeps them both mentally and physically stimulated.  The Magnificent 7 live in a quiet area of the sanctuary, surrounded by tall forests and meadows, yet they enjoy the attention of the wonderful carestaff and visits from many former caregivers from the Ohio State University – who marvel at how well they are now doing!

The Chimp Haven staff has also seen changes in the each one of the seven chimpanzees since they have been at the northwest Louisiana sanctuary.  Growing as a group and as individuals, the signs of their traumatic experience have disappeared and they have become healthy and happy again under the care of the expert staff.
 
Prior to arriving at Chimp Haven, 28-year old Darrell spent more than eight months alone in a small, hot concrete building. Darrell has blossomed at Chimp Haven, becoming a wonderful alpha male who sets an example so that both Keeli and Harper may learn from him.  Darrell loves the attention of the care staff here, blowing bubbles, grooming with a stick and playing games of chase with his caregivers.  Darrell’s resilience and happy nature are a daily inspiration to everyone he meets! 
 
Sheba was especially happy to be reunited with Darrell, asking us to open the door between them by pointing at the lock!  She met him with hugs and grooming, and rejoiced with the youngsters to see him again.  Her health is greatly improved, although she still requires specialized individual feeding.  Sheba’s depressed attitude has lifted and she has a lovely grin.  She loves to lie in her hammock and watch the antics of the youngsters.

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