Hello, my name is
Dwight

About Me

I was born December 12, 1992 to parents Emily and Emory at the Coulston Foundation, a former biomedical research lab in Alamogordo, New Mexico, with extensive Animal Welfare Act violations. Five days after my birth, my mother was sedated and I was moved to be raised in the nursery. I suffered from many fevers and dehydration, and frequently required antibiotics as an infant, but luckily I was never used in any invasive research.

Save the Chimps rescued 266 chimps from the Coulston Foundation in 2002, including me. I was quickly introduced to other chimpanzees, and made many new friends before embarking on the exciting trip to the Sanctuary in Fort Pierce, Florida. Now I live with 11 other chimpanzees on the first island built at Save the Chimps, Air Force Island, named for the first residents, who were used in NASA space exploration experiments by the U.S. Air Force. I have become an excellent alpha, using my intelligence rather than brut strength to keep my family calm and harmonious. I have been known to gently wrap my arms around a chimp who is becoming agitated to diffuse the situation. My caregivers love me because of my goofy, outgoing, and playful personality. I am fond of my chimpanzee friends Rupiah and Manny, and love to hang out with them on the island. I have a bit of a sweet tooth when it comes to food, and during quiet times I am known to suck my thumb.