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A Heartfelt Rescue: Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest Welcomes George

The Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, located in Cle Elum, Washington, has recently made headlines for its dedicated rescue efforts after sending a team to the Oregon Coast. On May 15th, a solitary chimpanzee named George was relocated from the West Coast Game Park Safari, and the sanctuary continues to provide him care during ongoing investigations into the park’s operation.

George, a 21-year-old chimpanzee, was tragically living alone at the safari park. His rescue was part of a larger operation where law enforcement, spanning multiple agencies, gathered evidence against the park's neglectful practices. Over the course of four days, a total of 310 animals were seized and relocated, marking a significant step towards better animal welfare in the concerned locality.

The West Coast Game Park Safari has faced serious criticism, receiving no less than 78 animal welfare citations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture within a year. This scrutiny highlighted a range of issues, including malnutrition among animals, inadequate veterinary care, and poor sanitation. For George, the situation was particularly dire as he was noted to lack an appropriate enrichment program, which is essential for the well-being of intelligent primates.

The sanctuary’s rescue operation involved carefully sedating George to ensure a safe transport to his new home. Co-Directors, including Diana Goodrich, expressed their gratitude towards the Oregon State Police and the Oregon Humane Society for their support during this case. Currently, George is being quarantined at the sanctuary, a common practice to ensure the health and safety of newly arrived animals.

While the sanctuary does not permit public visits, the caregivers have actively shared updates about George’s adaptation to his new environment via the sanctuary’s daily blog and on social media platforms.

In response to the community's keen interest, Goodrich mentioned, "We are thankful to our supporters who have helped build this sanctuary brick by brick, enabling us to assist chimpanzees like George during their most challenging times. We are overwhelmed with the positive responses and updates from locals who have known George over the years."

The Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest stands as a testament to high standards of animal care, being accredited by the Global Federation of Sanctuaries, which ensures they adhere to strict nonprofit best practices. The organization is committed to enhancing the quality of primate care, educating the public about their plight, and providing an invaluable learning experience for student interns interested in animal care.

Although the sanctuary operates without any government funding and relies purely on donations, its mission has been thriving. Their focus on raising awareness about primate welfare and finding homes for primates in need is a core part of their agenda.

The ongoing situation at the West Coast Game Park Safari currently involves the owner, who has been arrested on unrelated drug charges, as investigations progress. As this story unfolds, the sanctuary is determined to provide the best care for George and ensure that he feels safe and loved in his new home.

Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest is the only chimpanzee sanctuary in the western U.S. and has been in operation since 2008, offering a lifelong refuge for chimpanzees who have been subjected to various forms of abuse, including captivity, testing, and exploitation in the entertainment industry.

To stay updated on George’s progress and support his care, individuals can visit the sanctuary’s website, ChimpsNW.org, where they can also find links to the daily blog and social media updates, as well as a special fundraising page dedicated to George. The ongoing support from the community is crucial for ensuring that sanctuary operations continue to flourish, providing essential care for chimpanzees like George for years to come.