If you or your kids are just bananas about chimps then you won't want to miss Chimp Haven's Discovery Day this Saturday. This month’s Chimpanzee Discovery Day honors “Chimpanzee Heroes”. Visitors will learn about Ham and Enos, two chimpanzees who went up into space before humans, and how the study of wild chimpanzees changed the way we view the natural world. Special heroes at Chimp Haven will also be highlighted.

Guests are able to view the chimpanzees in a natural setting as they forage for fruit, vegetables, and leaves as well as talk with staff and learn about the chimpanzees’ personalities. The opportunity may arise for spectators to catch a glimpse of the Haven’s newest addition, Valentina Rose, who was born on Valentine’s Day.

Admission is free, but everyone is encouraged to bring a contribution for the chimpanzees. Among the items needed are seasonal fruits and vegetables, animal crackers, Ensure, chocolate Olvatine, peanut butter, sugar free cereals, sugar free gelatin and pudding mixes, pretzels, and sugar free juice.

Each Chimpanzee Discovery Day is unique, as staff organizes entertaining and educational opportunities that are appropriate for the whole family. Part of Chimp Haven’s mission is dedicated to providing educational opportunities to the community. These efforts are focused on increasing awareness of endangered primates, particularly chimpanzees, and the need for their conservation in the wild and protection in captivity.

Chimp Chat & Chew is a new educational program held just after Chimpanzee Discovery Days. This event includes a behind the scenes tour of the colony, lunch and a presentation by a staff member. Limited spaces are available and tend to fill up in advance. The 2012 Chimp Chat & Chew dates are as follows: May 19 (full), June 16, September 15, and November 17 beginning at 12:00 p.m. Fees: $30 adult/$15 child. Registration required, contact Chimp Haven to register 318-925-9575.

About Chimp Haven: Chimp Haven, The National Chimpanzee Sanctuary, is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide a permanent retirement sanctuary for chimpanzees no longer used for biomedical research, entertainment, or as pets. Located 25 miles southwest of Shreveport, La. in the Eddie D. Jones Nature Park in Caddo Parish, Chimp Haven opened its doors in Phase I to the first residents in April 2005.

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