Project ChimpCARE Factsheet

Project ChimpCARE is a non-partisan group committed to improving the wellbeing of chimpanzees and opening the lines of communications between disparate groups to achieve this singular goal.

Chimpanzees in the United States

• There are approximately 2000 chimpanzees living in the United States today. They live in a broad array of circumstances including those housed in accredited zoos, sanctuaries, research centers and privately owned as pets and performers.
• As powerful and complex animals, chimpanzees have a wide array of social and housing requirements to appropriately meet their cognitive, emotional and behavioral needs. Studies of chimpanzees have demonstrated that they are prone to behavioral and developmental deficiencies if raised in suboptimal conditions.
• Inappropriate portrayals of chimpanzees in the media lead the public to believe that they are not endangered in the wild and may contribute to the continued demand for chimpanzees in the pet industry.

A chimpanzee crisis

• Chimpanzees can be bought and sold commercially in the United States as there is no federal legislation governing their commerce. A patchwork of state laws is ineffective in regulating this trade. There are very few states that completely ban the private ownership of chimpanzees.
• Because no federal registry exists for all chimpanzees, and interstate commerce is common, it is difficult to quantify the numbers and circumstances of hundreds of chimpanzees living in communities across the country.
• Chimpanzees present a critical public safety risk when housed in inadequate conditions. Recent incidents in which chimpanzees have attacked and injured people underscore the importance of professionally managed housing for dangerous wild animals.

What is the role of Project ChimpCARE?
Project ChimpCARE is a non-partisan group committed to improving the wellbeing of chimpanzees and opening the lines of communications between disparate groups to achieve this singular goal.

• Quantify the number of chimpanzees across the United States and collect information on care and management strategies from facilities housing chimpanzees.
• Facilitate information-sharing to improve the care of chimpanzees in their current housing and into the future.
• Provide information to those looking to improve facilities or management for those seeking translocation of their chimpanzees to legitimate sanctuaries.
• Share information and educate the public on the critical issues of captive chimpanzee care.
• Advocate support for a system of sustainable housing for chimpanzees, to ensure lifetime care for these individuals.

Project ChimpCARE is committed to working with the full range of stakeholders involved in these issues, including current and former pet chimpanzee owners, sanctuaries, entertainment proprietors, advertising agencies, educators, zoos and other facilities. Opening the lines of communication between these often isolated groups, will serve to increase information sharing, collaboration and ultimately have positive impacts for chimpanzees.


For more information on Project ChimpCARE, visit us at www.chimpcare.org or contact info@chimpcare.org