Al and Kamaka, two male chimpanzees now in their 50s, have recently been introduced to a new environment at Chimp Haven, where they interact with both male and female chimps for the first time. Previously housed at the Alamogordo Primate Facility, they had limited social experiences. The NIH's decision to move these chimps followed advocacy from animal welfare groups who insisted on better living conditions. With the chimps moving to a larger social group, their new lives present opportunities for enrichment and natural social behaviors previously absent from their captivity.
"Right off the bat, they were just enamored with the ladies in the group," says Rana Smith, highlighting the new social dynamics at Chimp Haven for Al and Kamaka.
Last November, the NIH reversed course, allowing all Alamogordo chimps to move to Chimp Haven, addressing animal welfare concerns about their quality of life.
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