Primarily Primates Inc

Help Primarily Primates, Inc. (PPI), a nonprofit animal sanctuary in Bexar County, Texas, maintain and improve the homes of 29 chimpanzees.

Providing lifetime care to over three hundred animals rescued from biomedical research, the pet trade, and/or the entertainment industry, PPI has wholeheartedly committed to the comfort and care of each resident. Before finding sanctuary, these beautiful and intelligent animals lived dismal lives, deprived of freedom, natural experiences, and same-species companionship.

Chimpanzees who are rescued by sanctuaries are especially vulnerable to the problems that can arise when deprived of the mental stimulation they require. Staff and volunteers at PPI go to great lengths to ensure that these intelligent and powerful residents have everything they need to play, exercise, and problem-solve, resulting in happy, healthy chimps.

Left: Buck; Center: Willie; Right: Chobe

However, these stimulating experiences can take a toll on the habitats the chimpanzees call home.

Buck arrived at PPI in 2009 after being rescued from private pet ownership. Forced to languish in an indoor cell for more than 6 years, Buck needed time to adjust to his new freedom. He was even afraid of grass-he had never seen it before. Now, Buck is thriving. At 30 years old and 78.5kg (173lbs), Buck is in his prime. Strong and playful, Buck loves running, climbing the steel mesh on the exterior of his habitat, playing with his troopmates April and Buffy, and throwing large toys. His habitat is in constant need of mending; welds regularly need repair, and platforms frequently need replacing to keep him and his family safe.

In 1996, Shu Shu was already 28 years old when she was rescued from LEMSIP, the notorious Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Surgery in Primates. Forced to endure the constant trauma of losing her infants shortly after birth only to be quickly impregnated again, Shu Shu lived in isolation in a cage suspended above the ground. She did not even have outdoor access. She has lived at PPI for the last 28 years and is now 56 years old, and her caretakers take pride in giving her the best possible life. Now in her Golden Years, Shu Shu’s habitat needs regular maintenance to allow her easy access to ramps and platforms. Like people, chimpanzees experience reduced mobility as they age.  Boards need regular replacing and climbing structures require occasional improvements to keep Shu Shu climbing.

Willie and Chobe have lived together at PPI since 1986 when they were 5 and 6 years old. Chobe was abandoned by a zoo, and Wille was rescued from 20th Century Fox after starring in Project X with Matthew Broderick and Helen Hunt. Both traumatized and used by the entertainment industry, they found comfort in each other. Willie and Chobe are now 42 and 43 years old and have their own bachelor pad. Rough and rowdy, these two friends love to play, and often their rough-housing leads to damage within their habitat. They keep our maintenance team busy with repairs to the platforms, the doors, and the paint in their bedroom.

Today, we are asking for your help to maintain the habitats of 29 wonderful chimpanzees. 

With over two dozen indoor and outdoor spaces, chimp housing requires constant maintenance. Wear and tear are expected in any animal habitat, but due to the size and strength of chimpanzees, repairs are needed often. Each chimpanzee housing array regularly needs fresh paint, welding maintenance, and various repairs.

Primarily Primates, Inc. (PPI) is dedicated to providing a better future for these animals, and for any needing rescue in the future.  With dozens of captive chimpanzees needing rescue in the United States alone, PPI needs help from supporters like you to continue this lifesaving work.