Chimps Inc.

Chimps Inc.

Date opened	1995 [1]
Location	Bend, Oregon  United States
Number of animals	11
Number of species	2 recognized: Pan troglodytes Lynx lynx
Website	Chimps-inc.org

Chimps Inc. is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) wildlife sanctuary located in Hooker Creek Ranch^[2] near Bend, Oregon, United States.

Chimps Inc. is a private sanctuary. Its purpose is to provide a safe haven for the animals and allow them to live in dignity in as close to wild conditions as they can handle after being raised by humans and then "retired".

History

Chimps Inc. was founded in 1995 by Lesley Day to house chimpanzees from the private or entertainment sectors in need of a new home. Although the sanctuary is primarily dedicated to furthering chimpanzee conservation, it also houses wild cats. As of 2010, the sanctuary was home to nine chimpanzees and two Siberian lynx.^[3] Jane Goodall is on the advisory board.^[4]

Programs

Chimps Inc. offers both a volunteer program and internships. The volunteer program is for adults (18 years and older) who can dedicate at least four hours each week to helping at the sanctuary.^[5] The internship program is designed for people who are working towards careers in animal care, conservation, education, or advocacy.^[6]

Disputes

In 2007, Chimps Inc. was involved in a legal dispute over custody of two chimpanzees, Emma and Jackson, sparking debate on whether or not non-human primates have rights.^[7][8]

Fundraising

The main fundraiser for the sanctuary is "the Civil War game", held in November at the Hooker Creek Ranch. For this event, supporters can become a sponsors, donate items for the silent auction, purchase TV advertisements that will replace the national ads on the ranch TVs, or just purchase tickets.^[9]

In 2008, Chimps Inc. was the beneficiary of the silent art auction that was a part of the 2008 Monkey Day celebration.^[10][11]

References

1. ^ "Chimps Inc's Beginnings". chimps-inc.org. Chimps Inc.. http://www.chimps-inc.org/page.php?id=ourstory. Retrieved 22 June 2010. 
2. ^ "About Hooker Creek Ranch". hookercreekranch.com. Hooker Creek Ranch. http://hookercreekranch.com/about.php. Retrieved 22 June 2010. 
3. ^ "Chimps Inc.". chimps-inc.org. Chimps Inc.. http://www.chimps-inc.org/. Retrieved 22 June 2010. 
4. ^ "Our Board of Directors". chimps-inc.org. Chimps Inc.. http://www.chimps-inc.org/page.php?id=board. Retrieved 22 June 2010. 
5. ^ "Volunteer Program". chimps-inc.org. Chimps Inc.. http://www.chimps-inc.org/page.php?id=volunteer. Retrieved 22 June 2010. 
6. ^ "Internship Program". chimps-inc.org. Chimps Inc.. http://www.chimps-inc.org/page.php?id=volunteer. Retrieved 22 June 2010. 
7. ^ Sen, Sanhita (2007). "Monkey See, Monkey Sue (for Legal Custody)". Newsweek. http://www.newsweek.com/id/32457. Retrieved 2010-02-17. 
8. ^ "Emotional Custody Battle Gets Hairy: Landmark Custody Ruling Involves The Legal Rights Of Two Chimps In Oregon". CBS Interactive Inc.. 2008-01-01. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/01/eveningnews/main3664835.shtml. Retrieved 2010-02-17. 
9. ^ "Annual Civil War Fundraiser". chimps-inc.org. Chimps Inc.. http://www.chimps-inc.org/page.php?id=donate_civilwar. Retrieved 22 June 2010. 
10. ^ "Out On The Town". City Pulse 8 (17): 36. 2008-12-10. http://npaper-wehaa.com/citypulse/8070CYaz2dP2KQ4U/#?article=115120. Retrieved 2010-02-18. 
11. ^ "Mountain High". Missoula Independent 19 (50): 37. 2008-12-11. 

External links

• Official website