9781422279106

introduction INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Chimp Haven. This is a beauti- ful, 200-acre preserve in western Louisiana filled with pine forests, natural grasslands, and freshwater ponds. Officially named the National Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Chimp Hav- en was established by the U.S. government in 1995. Today it’s home to Penny, Violet, Ju- lius, Ned, and nearly 200 other chimps. These aren’t just any chimpanzees, though. Most of them are elderly primates who have been sent here from research lab- oratories around the country. For years—in some cases decades—they were subjects in medical and scientific research, tests, and ex- periments. The tests were designed to learn more about human behavior and diseases

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