FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2009
Contact: Lee Anna Naranjo
Public Relations Specialist
318.925.5787
Lnaranjo@chimphaven.org
APRIL CHIMPANZEE DISCOVERY DAY FEATURES
CHIMPANZEE BEHAVIORAL ENRICHMENT
KEITHVILLE, La. — Chimp Haven celebrates its second Chimpanzee Discovery Day of 2009 on Saturday morning, April 18th, at the Eddie D. Jones Nature Park in Keithville. This month’s theme is Behavioral Enrichment. It gives visitors an opportunity to learn about the activities the Chimp Haven staff provides its chimpanzees in order to give them mental and physical stimulation to increase their natural, healthy behavior. In other words, the day is intended to demonstrate how to put fun in a chimpanzee’s life!
The event is also intended for guests to have fun. From 9:00 a.m. until noon, they can observe chimpanzees in their forested habitats from a protected viewing area. With the day’s educational activities centering on behavioral enrichment, visitors will be given the opportunity to help make special treats for the chimpanzees. Skeeter, the Centenary College mascot, will be on hand to entertain the chimpanzees as well as humans. For those wanting to know more about the chimpanzees at Chimp Haven, the staff will be giving "Chimp Chats," discussions about topics like chimpanzee behavior, veterinary care, and natural history. Chimp Haven’s nature trail will also be open for a short hike.
This public event is free; however, donations are gratefully accepted. This month, Chimp Haven is seeking donations of canned fruit, sugar-free Jello, sugar-free pudding, and applesauce. As always, blankets are appreciated, as are staples like low-sugar cereals, trail mix, dried fruit, nuts in the shell, and sugar-free treats.
Chimpanzee Discovery Day will take place rain or shine. 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.
For questions, driving directions or additional information please call the Chimp Haven Hot Line at 318.925.5630 or visit www.chimphaven.org
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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. The sanctuary is now home to 132 retired chimpanzees.