Chimp Haven “Discovery Day” This Weekend, A Chance To Get Close To The Chimps

Chimp Haven has planned an exciting day for visitors to September’s Chimpanzee Discovery Day!  Being held on Saturday, September 17th, from 9:00 until noon, this month’s event promises to be fun for the entire family. The theme is "Athletics at Chimp Haven". Guests will learn about how athletic chimpanzees are and will likely see some of the chimpanzees climbing trees, running or just showing off their large, muscular, and powerful bodies. The staff will tell amazing stories of the chimpanzees’ physical abilities and show comparisons of chimpanzee and human anatomy. Guests are invited to wear team jerseys, hats or other items that show support for your favorite athletic team!

Admission is free, but everyone is encouraged to bring a contribution for the chimpanzees. Among the items needed are spaghetti sauce, sugar free jello mix, sugar free juice boxes, and stuffing mix. Fresh or canned fruits and vegetables, mixed nuts, peanut butter, and sugar free cereals are also always appreciated. Chimp Haven also serves as a drop off point for used cell phones, which we recycle to generate financial support for the chimpanzees and preserve the environment.

We have a new Gift Center that has many new chimpanzee-themed merchandise items for sale to commemorate your visit. At our Conservation Station, which focuses on endangered species including chimpanzees, visitors can see illegally purchased endangered species products confiscated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Additional activities provide opportunities for adults and children to play games, compare themselves to chimpanzees, create art, and dig for treasures in a model of an archeological mound. Staff will be available to answer questions about the chimpanzees and the sanctuary.

A new event following Chimpanzee Discovery Days, called "Chimp Chat & Chew", was launched in March, 2010. Chimp Chat & Chew includes a behind the scenes tour, lunch and a presentation by a staff member. The event is full this month, but you can make your reservations for November! The topic this month will be "Athletics and Chimps" and in November it will be "Getting Ready for Winter". Fees ($25 adult/$15 child) help support Chimp Haven’s Education Program.

Chimpanzee Discovery Day is held from 9:00 am until noon, rain or shine. Chimp Haven is located in the Eddie D. Jones Nature Park off Highway 789 in Keithville, Louisiana. For directions, call 318-925-9575 or visit www.chimphaven.org

Please note: All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. It is recommended that guests arrive at 9:00 a.m. for the best chance to see chimpanzee activity. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended.