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Victories!

Your Donations Helped Build a Home for 'Space Chimps' 

(Fall 2001)—A wonderful thing for our animal “next of kin” has happened, and your donations helped make it possible! Aided by funding from NEAVS and other supporters and foundations, Dr. Carole Noon’s Center for Captive Chimpanzee Care (CCCC) in Florida welcomed the first of a group of 21 former “space chimps” and their descendants on April 22, 2001.

The chimps, ranging in age from 11–41, were released from The Coulston Foundation (TCF), a biomedical research laboratory in New Mexico, long the focus of animal advocates’ concerns. NEAVS has been supporting the efforts of Dr. Noon since 1999.

The Sanctuary, located in Ft. Pierce, is now home to these now fortunate “Air Force chimpanzees” who were formerly used in research and then left to endure neglect, further experimentation and abandonment.

Dr. Jane Goodall, the world-famous primatologist, visited the Sanctuary, and called it “a magical place.” Located in a former orange grove, the Sanctuary features a state-of-the-art, multi-level housing facility and a 2.4-acre chimpanzee island with climbing structures and ropes.

Working for the rescue of animals from research is an extremely important part of NEAVS’ mission. The CCCC’s work will help ensure that so-called “surplus” chimps formerly used by the government and research industries can live out their days in dignity and peace – not in the crushing boredom, illness, uncertainty and isolation of a biomedical research facility.

“Dr Carole Noon is an exceptional individual whose wisdom, vision, wit, and sheer power of commitment have afforded these chimpanzees a future of hope. NEAVS embraces this opportunity to help her in her work,” says NEAVS President Capaldo.