A 29-year-old chimpanzee named Vanilla spent her life in captivity. In her early years, the primate was stuck in the confines of a small cage in a biomedical research lab in New York. Later, she and other chimps were freed — and moved to a sanctuary, but it was still in enclosures. After this sanctuary closed, though, she found a forever home, with the opportunity to see the open sky for the first time. Her awestruck reaction is priceless.
Chimpanzee lived in research lab in ‘bird cage’ suspended from the ground
The ability to enjoy the outdoors and the open sky is something that many take for granted. Until recently, Vanilla could never experience this freedom. At the research lab, she frequently was housed in a 5’x5’x7’ cage — suspended from the ground like a bird cage.
In an interview with the New York Post, Dan Mathews with Save The Chimps, said, “It was a horrible lab and protested by animal rights activists for decades. Jane Goodall targeted the place as a hellhole.”
The situation improved for Vanilla and other chimpanzees at the lab in 1995, as they were moved to the Wildlife Waystation sanctuary in California. The living environment wasn’t ideal though, for Vanilla lived in an enclosure with a cage top.
New home at island sanctuary in Florida
In 2019, Wildlife Waystation closed, leaving nearly 480 animals, including 42 chimpanzees, in a state of limbo. Fortunately, Vanilla and a family of chimpanzees found a new home at Save the Chimps in St. Lucie County, Florida. She was among the final seven chimps to be rehomed.
The first part of the journey from Florida was a cross-country trek in a FedEx airplane. Then, Pero Family Farms drove the chimpanzees to the sanctuary in a climate-controlled semi-truck. After quarantine, they were integrated into the larger family group at the sanctuary, which is on a three-acre island.
Vanilla steps out of enclosure, hugs another chimp, and looks at the sky in awe
Save the Chimps recently posted a heartwarming video of Vanilla seeing the open sky for the first time after a life in captivity. At first, she was apprehensive about stepping out into the new surroundings — and paused by the doorway. She then jumped down and hugged another chimpanzee called Dwight. He’s the alpha male of the group — and coaxed her out with his open arms.
“In the video, you see her going into his arms for a hug. It is the first time she was outdoors with more than 10 feet of fence around her on all sides from top to bottom,” said Matthews.
The video shows her joyfulness with this newfound freedom. After hugging Dwight, Vanilla gazed at the sky in complete awe. She appeared to be elated by the beauty and vastness of the sky and expansive environment. Later in the video, she interacts with other chimpanzees and explores the island.
People can ‘adopt’ Vanilla and other chimpanzees to help provide for their care
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Save the Chimps has an adoption program for Vanilla and other chimpanzees to help provide for their daily care. With an annual adoption, the chimps receive medical care from veterinarians, daily care from specially-trained staff, and three fresh meals of vegetables and fruits.
The adoption also helps Save the Chimps maintain the habitat and facilities at the island sanctuary. With the adoption, the “parents” receive a digital biography and a digital customized adoption certificate.
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Header image: Save the Chimps via YouTube
I’m Mark Putzer, and my passion for animals and all things nature is a life-long love affair. Growing up in Wisconsin, I had many cherished memories of hiking, skiing, and enjoying the abundant wildlife in the Badger State.
My passion for animals led me to marine biology research for my studies at the University of Wisconsin. I researched the behavior and communication of humpback whales around Hawaii and Orca Whales around the San Juan Islands of Washington State. The experience of being close to these massive and magnificent creatures is amazing. Later, I taught outdoor education to children in California — passing along my knowledge of animals and nature to the curious minds of the next generation. I also love pets. This includes a Labrador Retriever dog named “Molly” when I was a kid — and now, an adventurous tabby cat named “Rosy.”
I’m here to share the wonders of the animal kingdom with you. Whether it’s a cherished pet at home or an animal out in the wild, there are many unique stories and interesting information to share on Weird Animal News! Enjoy!
