This week’s episode of Chimp Crazy featured Union Ridge Wildlife Center, a roadside zoo in Ohio, where Tonka had been sent in an attempt to hide him from authorities. Some of you may have recognized the chimpanzees at Union Ridge as our newest residents of Save the Chimps! Anna, Lucy, and April (plus Cash who was not shown) were rescued by Save the Chimps in April of 2023 after the Ohio Department of Agriculture granted Save the Chimps custody. The four stayed in our Special Needs play yards while receiving health checks and becoming accustomed to sanctuary life before beginning the integration process at Seve’s Island.
Earlier this year these four chimps were released onto their beautiful island home with open acres of naturalized habitats. With the companionship of their growing family and the expert care of our dedicated team, the Ohio Four are learning how to live in a large, complex family. On the day they were released to the island, they demonstrated confidence and joy as they navigated their expansive island, exploring each structure and rolling hill. Watch the video of these four explorers here.
Before their rescue, the Ohio Four lived confined to a dark, garage-sized enclosure with limited access to the outside world. Cash, in particular, had been too afraid to cross the dark tunnel that led to the small outdoor area that was sometimes available to them. Today, Cash is a different chimp. Slowly but surely, he has grown braver. He now confidently scales the tallest platforms on the island, gazing out over the sanctuary.
Anna, April, Cash, and Lucy – and Tonka, too – have proven that sanctuary life is about rediscovering joy, freedom, and the bonds that make a family.
On behalf of the more than 220 chimpanzees in our care, thank you for your compassion and generosity.