KEITHVILLE, La. — Chimp Haven, the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary, will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a special fall Chimpanzee Discovery Day on Oct. 18, 2025. The milestone event will coincide with a proclamation from Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry declaring the date “Chimp Haven Day” across the state.
“On the 30th anniversary of its founding, I extend the gratitude of Louisiana to Chimp Haven, the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary and a model for providing expert care and retirement to hundreds of chimpanzees,” Landry said. “As we celebrate, I am honored to issue a proclamation naming October 18 ‘Chimp Haven Day’ in our great state.”
Founded 30 years ago to provide lifelong care for retired chimpanzees—many from biomedical research—Chimp Haven now spans 200 acres of forested land near Shreveport and is home to more than 300 chimpanzees.
“Discovery Day is always a joyful peek into sanctuary life—but pairing it with our 30th anniversary makes this one extraordinary,” said Rana Smith, Chimp Haven president and CEO. “For thirty years, the community’s support has helped us give hundreds of chimpanzees the retirement they deserve. We can’t wait to celebrate that legacy with visitors and share what their compassion makes possible.”
The anniversary event will run from 9 a.m. to noon and will give visitors one of the few annual opportunities to observe chimpanzees in their naturalistic habitats, meet caregivers and veterinary staff, and attend a special proclamation ceremony recognizing “Chimp Haven Day.”
Tickets, available only at chimphaven.org/events, cost $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 5–12, with free admission for children 4 and under. Advance purchase is required.
Those unable to attend can explore the sanctuary through private and VIP tours by appointment or take a virtual tour at chimphaven.org/visit.
Chimp Haven, an independent nonprofit based near Shreveport, serves as the national chimpanzee sanctuary and provides refuge to hundreds of retired research chimpanzees. The 200-acre facility features multiple forested habitats designed to allow the animals to live out their retirement in comfort and safety.