See reunited chimps share warm embrace in Florida after rescue from roadside Ohio zoo

Moira Ritter
·1 min read
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Four chimpanzees had a heartwarming reunion at a Florida sanctuary, staff members say.

April, Anna, Cash and Lucy — who were rescued from a roadside zoo in Ohio — arrived at Save the Chimps sanctuary in Fort Pierce, Florida, on Wednesday, April 12, the sanctuary said in a news release.

The chimps hugged and groomed one another when they were reunited, sanctuary staff said.
The chimps hugged and groomed one another when they were reunited, sanctuary staff said.

Upon their arrival, the chimps were reunited, immediately embraced and began grooming each other before exploring their new home and greeting staff, according to the sanctuary. They range in age from 13 to 26 years old.

The chimps were confined indoors until their rescue, according to the sanctuary.
The chimps were confined indoors until their rescue, according to the sanctuary.

“These are extremely intelligent chimpanzees who deserve the chance to explore a larger world,” Andrew Halloran, Save the Chimps’ director of chimpanzee behavior and care, said in the release. “We look forward to seeing them thrive on a vast island habitat with 15-20 new lifelong companions, with the freedom to choose where they want to be and who they want to be with.”

The chimps were rescued from a wildlife center in Wilkesville, Ohio, according to a news release from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The rescue came after complaints from PETA to the Ohio and U.S. departments of agriculture about the roadside zoo.

“It’s a happy new chapter for these four chimpanzees, who will have a great life, with lush grounds to explore and the opportunity to socialize with others of their kind,” PETA said in its release.

Fort Pierce is about 130 miles north of Miami.

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