Retired Research Chimps Relocate to Louisiana Sanctuary

The NIH confirms the transfer of 23 chimps from New Mexico to Chimp Haven due to staffing challenges.

The National Institutes of Health will move 23 retired research chimpanzees from New Mexico to Chimp Haven in Louisiana.
The decision follows the anticipated retirement of caretakers and difficulties in recruiting new staff at the remote Alamogordo Primate Facility.
Animal advocacy groups, including the Humane Society, have long pressured NIH to relocate the chimps, culminating in a successful lawsuit in 2022.
Chimp Haven, nearing capacity, will need to expand its facilities to accommodate the new arrivals, with costs estimated at $4 million.
The first group of chimps is expected to arrive at the sanctuary in early 2025, marking a significant step in their transition to a more natural environment.