In a significant development, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced plans to transfer 23 retired research chimpanzees from a facility located in New Mexico to a sanctuary in Louisiana.
NIH officials communicated this decision via email to a local news outlet, indicating that the relocation from the Alamogordo Primate Facility at Holloman Air Force Base is expected to take place in the coming months.
The decision to move the chimpanzees comes amid staffing challenges, particularly due to anticipated retirements among the current caretakers of the animals, according to the agency. Activists have campaigned for several years for the NIH to facilitate the relocation of these chimpanzees, especially since they have not been used for research purposes since 2015.
Over 200 chimps were previously moved to this federally funded sanctuary, but some were considered too frail and have remained at the base under the supervision of contracted caregivers, as noted by the NIH.
The contractor informed the NIH about the expected retirement of a considerable number of staff by July 2025, raising concerns about the future care of the chimpanzees.
NIH stated, “Recruitment and training of new staff has proven difficult due to the specialized nature of the work and APF’s remote location.” They concluded that the best approach for the welfare of the chimpanzees is to relocate them to the federal sanctuary at Chimp Haven.
NIH spokesperson Amanda Fine pointed out that moving the chimpanzees involves a complex and time-intensive process. She assured that Chimp Haven would collaborate closely with the NIH and the Alamogordo facility to ensure each animal’s health and safety during the transition.
The Humane Society of the United States has been one of the leading organizations advocating for the chimpanzees’ relocation. In 2021, they, along with Animal Protection New Mexico and others, filed a lawsuit against the NIH. A federal judge ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in 2022, stating that NIH could not lawfully refuse to retire the chimpanzees to a sanctuary given their chronic health issues.
Advocates expressed their belief that the considerable pressure placed on the NIH, including vigorous public support and the successful lawsuit, was instrumental in the agency’s decision to proceed with the chimpanzees’ transfer.
The chimpanzees, aged between 34 and 62 years, might anticipate a fulfilling life in the sanctuary, according to supporters. Chimp Haven has been providing care for hundreds of chimpanzees since its establishment, with the first residents arriving in 2005.
Rana Smith, President and CEO of Chimp Haven, announced that the facility is prepared to welcome the first group of chimps from New Mexico in early 2025. However, as Chimp Haven is close to its capacity, there are plans to construct additional living areas to accommodate these new arrivals.
The anticipated expansion could incur costs of at least $4 million, which will need to be funded through private donations.
“While many details remain to be sorted out in the weeks ahead, we are thrilled to share this positive news for the chimps of APF,” Smith remarked. “They are on track for a much-deserved retirement at the sanctuary, and we eagerly await their arrival.”