Located just 22 miles outside of Shreveport lies a beautiful sanctuary where chimpanzees go to retire. This incredible organization is dedicated to making sure these beautiful creatures can spend the rest of their lives in paradise, living out their golden years in complete freedom. It just so happens to be the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in the world, and it’s right here in Louisiana!

Chimp Haven was founded in 1995 out of a need to fill a void in long-term chimpanzee care.
Chimp Haven/Facebook
Chimpanzees used for biomedical research or the entertainment industry needed a place they could go to retire, and that’s where Chimp Haven came in.
In 2000, the CHIMP Act (Chimpanzee Health Improvement Maintenance Protection Act) was signed, establishing the Federal Sanctuary System.
Chimp Haven/Facebook
Caddo Parish provided 200 acres of land located within Eddie D. Jones Nature Park to build the sanctuary.
Chimp Haven was given the federal contract to build the sanctuary so that chimpanzees could live out their days in large social groups in a spacious environment.
Chimp Haven/Facebook
The first two chimpanzees, Rita and Teresa, came to the sanctuary in 2005, and Chimp Have welcomes new chimpanzees to the sanctuary each year.
As more and more laws were passed to protect these cool creatures, more chimpanzees have found their way to Chimp Haven.
Chimp Haven/Facebook
In 2013, the National Institute of Health announced that all but 50 federally owned chimpanzees were officially retired, which allowed for more than 300 chimpanzees to find their forever home here at Chimp Haven.
The 200-acre sanctuary is currently home to more than 230 chimpanzees.
Chimp Haven/Facebook
With over 40 employees providing care, the chimps can live out their glory days in large social groups with tons of space to enjoy.

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The chimps have the freedom to do whatever they'd like. This one clearly wants to catch up on his reading.
Chimp Haven/Facebook
Nothing like curling up with a good book, right?
And this one is taking the time to stop and smell the roses.
Chimp Haven/Facebook
What an endearing reminder to take the time to enjoy the little things in life!
And this little guy is just soaking up some sun.
Chimp Haven/Facebook
Chimp Haven is quite the paradise to these magnificent creatures.
While Chimp Haven is closed to the public for most of the year, they do host Discovery Days where you can visit the sanctuary and meet the chimps.
Chimp Haven/Facebook
The upcoming dates for 2019 are March 16th, April 13th, October 19th, and November 16th.
Admission to Chimp Haven on Discovery Days cost $10 for visitors 13 and older and $5 for kids ages 6-12.
Chimp Haven/Facebook
Doors open at 9 a.m. and no reservations are required, but the best time to see the chimps is between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Mark your calendars so you can visit Chimp Haven on one of its Discovery Days and learn more about these incredible animals!

Chimp Haven is located at 13600 Chimpanzee Pl., Keithville, LA 71047. For more information about this amazing organization, visit the Chimp Haven website here. You can follow along with the chimps all year long on its Facebook page here!

Have you ever visited Chimp Haven? Let us know in the comments below!

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