The board of directors of Chimps Inc., a non-profit sanctuary based in Central Oregon, announced today that they will provide permanent sanctuary to Calamity Jane (“CJ”), a chimpanzee who was captured recently by authorities in Las Vegas after escaping her caging.
During the capture, Buddy, CJ’s mate was unfortunately shot and killed by authorities. CJ was tranquilized and returned to her caging. Owners of CJ contacted NAPSA (North American Primate Alliance) for help in re-housing her to a safe environment with others of her kind. The Chimps Inc. board of directors immediately saw the need to assist and stepped forward to offer a home for CJ. The legal guardianship process has been completed and travel plans are in place, and Chimps Inc. board and staff are working diligently to prepare for her arrival.
CJ’s handlers and Chimps Inc. Sanctuary Director Marla O’Donnell will accompany CJ to her new home where Dr. Susan Lambeth a behavioral consultant and and chimpanzee expert, will oversee her safe introduction to her new chimp family.
To protect CJ, who has experienced a great deal of trauma in recent days, Chimps Inc. will share photos and updates on its website. No outside photography or videography will be allowed. Chimps Inc. asks that people please respect CJ and understand that her condition is fragile.
Chimps Inc. founder Lesley Day today released the following statement about the CJ and her new home:
“We appreciate everyone’s concern about CJ during this delicate situation. Look for updates about her and her move to her home on our website www.chimps-inc.org.
“CJ is an unfortunate product of the wild animal pet trade. Most private owners acquire chimpanzees when they are very young. These infant chimpanzees are removed from their mothers soon after birth, sometimes only a few days later, to make them more human dependent. In the wild, a chimpanzee would not leave its mother for the first two years and they would stay with the family group for at least eight. This mother-infant separation causes psychological trauma that affects the chimpanzee for the rest of his or her life.
“Chimpanzees grow to be strong and intelligent and most often are forced to live in impoverished environments, being cared for at facilities that lack thorough safety protocols and is a recipe for disaster. Chimpanzees are very dangerous and in captivity can display behaviors that are dangerous to humans and when they are living in homes and close to the public, there is a great risk for injury. While sanctuaries are exposed to the same risks, accredited facilities are required to comply and maintain strict safety regulations and provide extensive training of on-site staff and volunteers.
“Thanks to the generous support of our supporters, the Chimps Inc. sanctuary provides lifetime care, free from human exploitation and abuse to seven chimpanzees and two lynx. Each of the chimps cared for have been rescued either from the entertainment industry, private ownership, or roadside zoos. All of them have come from substandard living conditions and have lived through situations no sentient being should have to endure.”
The Chimps Inc. Outreach and Education Program extends to schools, community groups, and organizations throughout Oregon and focusing on improving public education and awareness about the plight of captive chimpanzees, our closest living relative, as well as the exploitation of exotic animals in the United States.
In conjunction with a recent Central Oregon talk and visit by Dr. Jane Goodall, who serves on the advisory board of Chimps Inc., the organization was featured in an article and video produced by The Oregonian newspaper in October 2011.
Supporting Chimps Inc.
Chimpanzees in captivity are expensive to house and feed. The average cost for each chimpanzee is approximately $1,200 per month and Chimps Inc. is graciously accepting donations for this sudden turn of events. All gifts can be made at www.chimps-inc.org. 100% of all donations go directly to the care and housing of CJ. Her supporters will receive personalized weekly email updates on her progress. General donations to the sanctuary are also welcome and appreciated.
About Chimps Inc.
Based in Bend, OR, Chimps Inc. was founded in 1995 as a 501(c)3 non-profit sanctuary by Lesley Day and is specifically designed to provide lifetime care to captive chimpanzees and is dedicated to overcome exploitation and cruelty that their residents and other captive wild animals face through advocacy and education. Chimps Inc. is a founding member of the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance, a governing body for chimpanzee sanctuaries throughout the United States and Canada. To protect the inhabitants and give them a safe and natural environment, the sanctuary is not open to the public.
