Seized Animals Find New Home At Chimp Haven

An animal refuge in Texas has been seized by the State Attorney General`s office amidst allegations of inadequate food, housing and medical care. Now a court appointed receiver has been given the task of finding homes for all the animals. Seven displaced chimpanzees have found a new home at Chimp Haven in Keithville. "We decided that we needed to do the right thing for these chimpanzees who are in desperate need of our help," said Behaviorist Amy Fultz. The chimps were originally a part of research project at Ohio State University. When the project ended, they were taken to Primarily Primates in San Antonio, a place Fultz describes as less than desirable. "The conditions were unsanitary. There`s raw sewage there... kind of going into the ground," said Fultz. Fultz says some of the chimps appeared malnourished and weren`t receiving the level of care they required. "Unfortunately the chimpanzees were not being fed appropriately with fresh produce and vegetables like they need," said Fultz. Friday members of the Chimp Haven staff picked up the primates and brought them to the Keithville sanctuary. While at Primarily Primates Fultz says, some of the chimps were confined to small spaces and weren`t getting enough social interaction. So the group has been secluded from the other animals at Chimp Haven, until they get accustomed to their new environment. Eventually they will likely be released into the rest of the chimp colony. A fund has been set up to help the rescued chimps. For more information call Chimp Haven at 1-888-98-CHIMP.