Save the Chimps

Decades of Care, A Lifetime of Compassion

Save the Chimps is home to more than 220 residents rescued from medical research, the entertainment industry, and the pet trade. We are committed to providing exemplary lifetime care for our residents. Did you know that captive chimpanzees have a life expectancy of 50 years or more!? A chimpanzee is considered geriatric at age 35. With nearly 1 out of 2 of our residents currently considered elderly, geriatric care is a major and growing focus of our sanctuary. By the end of 2024, 96 of our residents will be considered elderly. In just five years, the percentage of elderly chimpanzees we are caring for will increase by 47%, making nearly two-thirds of our residents elderly. This Giving Day for Apes, help us reach our goal of $100,000 in honor of caring for this special group of chimpanzees and providing all of our residents a dignified retirement.

Meet Some of Our Elderly Residents

	Yvette is a well-respected matriarch who provides guidance and comfort to many of the boys in her family group. Born in Africa in 1965, she was captured and sent to a laboratory in Texas where she gave birth to three children. In 1982 she was transferred to a lab in New Mexico where she later gave birth to four more children. In 2011, Mamma Yvette made her way to the Save the Chimps sanctuary in Florida where she loves to make fluffy nests and peacefully bask in the sun surrounded by a chimp family who loves her. Yvette, 55, is the oldest chimpanzee at the sanctuary and among her group is Cash, the youngest chimpanzee at the sanctuary at 13 years old.
	Gail, 52, spent the first thirty years of her life in medical labs. She is the epitome of resilience after her early hardships in life. She’s a great friend to Tammy, Vanna (and therefore often on the receiving end of Vanna’s amazing hugs), and many other members of Ron’s family. Although her age has slowed her down physically (she is lovingly referred to as Gail the Snail), it does not hold her back from playing, interacting in social dynamics, or even climbing trees on a rare occasion!
	Rebecca (54) & Debbie (55) are the two eldest residents of Tanya's family. Both started their lives in the wilds of Africa with their mothers before being captured as infants and brought to the United States for medical research. They share a beautiful friendship. The two can often be seen resting and grooming on their island home.

The increased care of geriatric chimpanzees is one of our most critical needs. Some considerations in elderly care include:

• Our veterinary team monitors and treats the wide range of conditions found in our elderly populat­­­­­ion, to restore health, treat acute injuries and chronic illnesses, and keep them comfortable from day to day.
• Our caregiving and behavioral teams carefully monitor our senior residents to ensure their safety, comfort, and social integration. A major focus of our elder behavioral program is to promote movement and exploration to keep our residents mobile and their minds active.
• Social companionship is an important aspect of mental well-being and our residents live in multi-generational families with natural opportunities to bond, build lasting friendships, play, and groom.
  
  Thank you for helping us provide our residents with everything they need to live happy and healthy lives!