Nov. 17 last Chimp Haven Discovery Day for the year | Community Spirit

Chimp Haven will hold its last Discovery Day of 2012 from 9 a.m. - noon on Saturday, November 17. This month the sanctuary invites folks to come out and share in its "Thanks for Enrichment" celebration.

Each day Chimp Haven’s team of animal care staff prepares items of enrichment for each chimpanzee.

“Daily enrichment activities can include anything from having a guest violinist play for the chimpanzees to having them use tools to open bottles with frozen treats inside,” Chimp Haven’s Behavioral Technician Erin Loeser said. “The ultimate purpose for enrichment is to offer opportunities for the chimpanzees to enhance their thinking and behavioral skills in a rich sensory environment.”

Many fun activities are planned for this Chimpanzee Discovery Day, the last one of 2012. Guests will be able to view the chimpanzees in their natural, forested habitats across a water moat as well as speak with Chimp Haven’s behaviorist about the purpose of including enrichment activities into the chimpanzees’ daily regimen. Children can walk the nature trail, create pinecone turkeys and enjoy a reading station with the Northwest Reading Association. Visitors can also learn how chimpanzees use tools while testing their chimpanzee skills at the termite mound and walking like a chimpanzee at the locomotion booth.

Admission is free, but everyone is encouraged to bring a contribution for the chimpanzees. Among the items needed are peanut butter, mashed potato flakes, tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, apple cider mix, candy canes, cranberries, canned pumpkin, sweet potatoes, canned green beans, fall produce and corn bread mix.

Each Chimpanzee Discovery Day is unique with entertaining and educational opportunities that are appropriate for the whole family. Chimp Haven’s education program is focused on increasing awareness of endangered primates, particularly chimpanzees, and the need for their conservation in the wild and protection in captivity.

For more information about Chimpanzee Discovery Day, please call 318.925.9575. For directions to the sanctuary, please visit chimphaven.org.