Caddo Parish Commissioners Pass Resolution of Support for Keithville Krewe

Fri May 9, 2008

KEITHVILLE, La. — In an unprecedented show of faith and support for Chimp Haven, the Caddo Parish Commissioners passed a resolution May 8 supporting permanent residency for the “Keithville Krewe,” a group of six chimpanzees fighting to remain at the northwest Louisiana sanctuary.

Resolution Number 17 was introduced by District 11 Commissioner Jim Smith and District 4 Commissioner Matthew Lin acting on behalf of the citizens of Caddo Parish concerned about the health and welfare of the chimpanzees who have been living at Chimp Haven since November 2006.

“We are very thankful to the parish and the citizens of Caddo Parish for the support they have shown for the chimpanzees,” said Dr. Linda Brent, President and Director of Chimp Haven. “They have believed in us since the beginning and this just solidifies the faith they have in us as an organization and as an important part of this community.”

The resolution states that “Chimp Haven accepted responsibility for the lifetime care of the ‘Keithville Krewe,’ including costs associated with their transportation from Texas to Keithville, and that “the chimpanzees have now returned to good health and are functioning well in compatible social groups and spacious facilities.”

The resolution also goes on to say that, “the citizens of Caddo Parish are proud of their association with Chimp Haven and cherish all of the chimpanzees residing there,” and “that the Commission expresses its desire that the ‘Keithville Krewe’ remain permanent residents of Chimp Haven, the National Chimpanzee Sanctuary.” The resolution states that the Commission “supports the efforts of the Chimp Haven Board, the dedication of Chimp Haven supporters, and the continued health and well-being of all the chimpanzees at Chimp Haven.”

RESOLUTION

The six chimpanzees known as the “Keithville Krewe” were removed from Primarily Primates in San Antonio at the request of the Texas State Appointed Receiver in November, 2006, and brought to Chimp Haven to receive required medical care and appropriate housing.

In April, 2007 the Texas Attorney General settled the case against Primarily Primates. Primarily Primates was joined by Friends of Animals, who funded their legal battles. They subsequently sued Chimp Haven for return of their “property”, alleging that the transfer was temporary. Chimp Haven, however, accepted the lifetime responsibility for the chimpanzees, including all the costs of their transportation and care. Chimp Haven has requested an independent assessment to determine what is in the best interest of the chimpanzees, however Primarily Primates will not agree to the request.

The Chimp Haven Board of Directors made a decision to fight the ruling of a Texas judge that granted a motion for summary judgment, filed by Primarily Primates Inc., that would send Sarah, Keeli, Ivy, Sheba, Harper and Emma back to the San Antonio facility.