Chimp Haven vows to fight for Kermit's Community

Chimp Haven to Fight for Welfare of Rescued Chimpanzees

Wed Mar 19, 2008
KEITHVILLE, La. – 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 six chimpanzees back to the San Antonio facility. On Friday, March 14, 2008, Chimp Haven filed a motion for a new trial. Sarah, Keeli, Ivy, Sheba, Harper and Emma were removed from Primarily Primates in November, 2006 at the request of the Texas State Appointed Receiver and transferred Chimp Haven where they could receive the care and housing they needed. The chimpanzees were reunited with their family group immediately and have enjoyed expansive enclosures, intensive care, a well balanced diet and health care at Chimp Haven. “Chimp Haven stepped forward to help these chimpanzees in need, and we will not turn our back on them now” said Dr. Linda Brent, Chimp Haven President and Director. “Our only goal has been to ensure the best future for the chimpanzees.” Primarily Primates was seized by the Texas State Attorney’s office on October13, 2006 on allegations of mismanagement of charitable funds and animals living in substandard conditions. Chimp Haven was asked to accept the chimpanzees since they were in need of medical attention, had inadequate housing and immediate intervention was required.

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. Primarily Primates will not agree to an independent assessment of what is in the best interests of the chimpanzees.

“They are doing so well here physically and socially, and are in a group where the youngsters have adult role models and the older females have companions. It would surely be detrimental to them to be moved again after all they have endured”, Brent said. Chimp Haven would like to thank the public as well as the animal welfare agencies and organizations for the tremendous outpouring of support. To help keep the Keithville Krewe home at Chimp Haven, visit our website www.chimphaven.org for details.

Visit http://www.chimphaven.org/temp-chimp.cfm for video, pictures and information on how you support Kermit's Community (aka Keithville Krewe) and prevent them from returning to Primarily Primates.