Hello, my name is
Debbie the 2nd

About Me

Debbie the 2nd was born in Africa in the late 1960s or early 1970s. She was captured at about five years old and shipped to the United States to be used in biomedical research. In 1977, she ended up at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, New Mexico, where she was used in medical research and as a breeder. In 1997, Debbie’s “ownership” was transferred to the Coulston Foundation, a research laboratory also based in Alamogordo.

In 2002, Save the Chimps rescued the 266 chimpanzees held by the Coulston Foundation, and Debbie’s life changed for the better immediately. She was given enrichment activities, fresh food, and the companionship of other chimpanzees as family groups were formed. Today, Debbie lives on a spacious island with the chimpanzee group known as Tanya’s Family. She is close to Jude the 2nd, whom she adores and treats like her own son. She’s also extremely close to Rebecca. Debbie and Rebecca can be seen each day lounging on the island together and sharing meals. They come in for meals together and leave for the island together.

Debbie has also developed a loving attachment to a plush monkey puppet, which she carries with her everywhere she goes unless Ellie Mae or Worthy is “babysitting.” Debbie is respected immensely in Tanya’s Family, and she enjoys life with her chimpanzee family members, relishing her retirement to the fullest.