CONSERVATION - PARTNERS - CHIMP HAVEN

Endangered Species Chocolate proudly donates a portion of our profits to Chimp Haven, Inc. Chimp Haven is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide lifetime care for chimpanzees no longer used for medical research, as pets or entertainers. The organization was founded in 1995 by professionals from the primatological, pharmaceutical, animal protection, zoo and business communities. Chimp Haven also provides education programs to students of all ages. Each milk or dark chocolate purchase (in-store or on our web site) specifically helps support Chimp Haven’s Food Prep and Enrichment Kitchen and the Medical Suite.

FOOD PREP AND ENRICHMENT KITCHEN (ESC SUPPORTED)
Chimpanzees not only enjoy the natural outdoor habitats, but also a varied diet and daily enrichment. The Food Preparation and Enrichment Kitchen is the hub for preparation of all types of fruits, vegetables and enrichment items for Chimp Haven residents. The kitchen includes counter space, a freezer, refrigerators and food processing equipment. Enrichment items like peanut butter rolls, cereal foraging puzzles, rubber toys, and climbing perches are made and stored here.

MEDICAL SUITE (ESC SUPPORTED)
Chimp Haven provides the very best medical care to the chimpanzee. Although there is little disruption to the social groups, the chimpanzees have regular health check ups – especially important for more mature residents. The Medical Suite includes an examination room and minor surgery room complete with exam tables and surgical lighting, as well as a medical supply and record room. An adjoining treatment room is available for a chimpanzee in need of intensive medical treatment.

Today, more than 1,300 chimpanzees reside in laboratories. Over the last ten years there has been a decline in usage of chimpanzees as human disease research surrogates, which has resulted in a surplus chimpanzee population that continues to live in laboratories. In addition, the enormous expense associated with their present and future care has sparked interest in seeking other housing alternatives. Accredited zoos are unable to accept any more chimpanzees because of limited space. Release into the wild is not an option because of the lack of available undisturbed land in Africa. Sanctuaries were endorsed as a cost effective method to care for retired research chimpanzees by the National Research Council in 1997. The cost of maintaining chimpanzees in the natural environment at Chimp Haven is approximately half of the laboratory expense – providing a tremendous savings of taxpayers’ dollars. The government is providing funding to care for federally owned chimpanzees at Chimp Haven. However, a Congressional mandate makes this a private/public partnership, and Chimp Haven must raise $6 million for construction and operational costs to secure the government’s matching funds. Additionally, $10 million is required for the sanctuary’s Education Center and programs. Private funds are also needed to house the many unwanted chimpanzees not associated with the federal government; and the creation of a $15 million endowment will support the Chimp Haven’s long-term operation and maintenance.

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