History of Chimp Haven in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 13, 2025

Chimp Haven is a 200-acre non-profit sanctuary in Keithville, Louisiana, providing a permanent retirement home for over 300 chimpanzees previously used in laboratory research. Located within Eddie D. Jones Nature Park, it offers these chimpanzees a safe and enriching environment after their service in scientific studies. The sanctuary aims to give them the best possible quality of life in their retirement.

1995: Incorporation of Chimp Haven, Inc.

In 1995, a diverse group formed Chimp Haven, Inc., envisioning a model sanctuary for retired chimpanzees.

1999: Chimp Haven Facility Design Workshop

In 1999, Chimp Haven held a facility design workshop with zoo designers, laboratory architects, and field biologists to plan a cost-effective sanctuary for retired chimpanzees.

2000: Land Donation by Caddo Parish Commission

In 2000, the Caddo Parish Commission in Northwest Louisiana donated 200 wooded acres of the Eddie D. Jones Nature Park to Chimp Haven for the construction of their new facility.

2000: CHIMP Act Passed by United States Congress

In 2000, the United States Congress passed the Chimpanzee Health Improvement, Maintenance and Protection (CHIMP) Act, authorizing a sanctuary system for chimpanzees retired from medical research. The government would cover 75% of operating costs and 90% of construction funds, with the chosen organization raising the remainder.

2002: Chimp Haven Awarded Contract to Run National Chimpanzee Sanctuary System

In 2002, Chimp Haven was awarded a contract by the National Institutes of Health to run the National Chimpanzee Sanctuary System after submitting a competitive proposal.

2003: Construction of Chimp Haven Begins

In 2003, construction began on the Chimp Haven sanctuary.

2005: First Chimpanzees Arrive at Chimp Haven

In 2005, the first chimpanzees arrived at Chimp Haven.

2005: Chimp Haven Established

Since 2005, more than 400 chimpanzees have found a home at Chimp Haven.

October 2013: Senate Passes CHIMP Act Amendments of 2013

On October 30, 2013, the United States Senate passed the CHIMP Act Amendments of 2013 (S. 1561; 113th Congress), allowing the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to spend more money on housing retired chimpanzees at Chimp Haven.

November 2015: NIH Announces End to Chimpanzee Testing

In November 2015, Francis Collins of NIH announced that the last 50 chimpanzees kept for testing would no longer be used for research, with as many as possible being relocated to Chimp Haven.