Retired Nasa chimps enjoy the wild life

[T_i_B]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/11/06/wchimp06.xml&sSheet=/portal/2005/11/06/ixportal.html

As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the trees, chimpanzees emerged for their dawn patrol around the edge of a pond and began scavenging for fruit. Clutching their breakfast, some drifted into the woods; others sat and watched, warily.

It might have been a scene from the African jungle as man's nearest genetic cousins performed their morning rituals. In fact, this was a remote corner of north-western Louisiana, where the United States's first government-funded retirement home for working chimps has recently opened.

Last week, the Sunday Telegraph was granted rare access to the inhabitants of Chimp Haven as they adjusted to life in the semi-wild, after decades serving man's needs in the space programme and in US medical research centres.

Those animals originally born in the wild in Africa have been quick to begin climbing trees and building nests, even though most were only a few months old when captured and shipped to America during the 1960s. The others, born in captivity, are slowly beginning to copy them.

[saigon68]

1. captured and shipped to America during the 1960s

[ErisFiveFingers]

2. Lab Coat Soap Operas...

Interesting.

[Extend a Hand]

3. What a great storyl

I needed some happy news. Thanks.

[LA lady]

4. Chimp Haven

I live VERY near this. When it first was considered, people were furious because we are in a poor part of the state and there were a lot of PEOPLE who could use help. But, it has caught the heart of everyone and has received very good publicity. I am glad we don't just forget these primates after they have given their lives to research. I would love to go see it but I am so tenderhearted, I would probably cry all the way through it!

[madrchsod]

5. you mean "xnasa"?

i know he`s retired from nasa and the last i saw him he didn`t mention he was moving to louisiana. i guess the chicago winters got to much for him and decided to take the government up on that offer...............

[CottonBear]

6. This is a wonderful and moving story.

I saw a report on this wonderful retirement home on one of our cable news networks. The chimpanzees seem very happy!