From lab to sanctuary: 220 research chimps being relocated

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — All 220 chimpanzees at a Louisiana university's research lab in New Iberia will be moving to a new sanctuary in north Georgia, the university said Monday, in what appears to be a first for a non-federal lab.

The great apes owned by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette will be moved monthly in social groups of about 10 animals to the sanctuary in Blue Ridge, Georgia, starting in June, said Sarah Baeckler Davis, co-founder of the nonprofit Project Chimps.

A joint announcement Tuesday by the university and Project Chimps said it was the first time a non-federal research program has arranged to release all of its research chimps.

Dewar said Project Chimps bought the land and the Dewar Wildlife Trust donated the buildings and enclosures, which meet "very demanding standards" needed for certification by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.