The Houston SPCA Says Good-Bye to Henry the Chimpanzee
Monday, February 23, 2009
By: Alice Sarmiento

The Houston SPCA will be joined by the Houston Zoo on Monday as they transport Henry the Chimpanzee across state lines to Chimp Haven near Shreveport, Louisiana.

(HOUSTON February 20, 2009) The Houston SPCA will be joined by the Houston Zoo on Monday as they transport Henry the Chimpanzee across state lines to Chimp Haven near Shreveport, Louisiana. “We are thrilled that Henry is well enough to come to Chimp Haven,” says Dr. Linda Brent, Chimp Haven President and Director. “Our deepest appreciation to the Houston SPCA and the Houston Zoo for rescuing Henry and putting him on the road to recovery. We look forward to caring for Henry at Chimp Haven, where he will meet other chimpanzee friends and finally get to feel the warm sun on his face.”

Chimp Haven is a permanent sanctuary for chimpanzees retired from medical research, entertainment, and the pet trade. Located on 200 acres, the sanctuary is set up to care for chimpanzees with different needs, including the intensive care that Henry will need, with expansive facilities and experienced veterinary, behavioral and husbandry staff. Like the Houston SPCA, Chimp Haven is a donor funded organization. They have set up a campaign on Henry’s behalf under their Rescue Fund to provide him with care and new housing for him and other chimpanzees in need. You can find more information at http://www.chimphaven.org/.

“Thanks to teams of doctors and caregivers at the Houston Zoo, Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists and here at the Houston SPCA, Henry has made huge strides on his road to recovery. It is not without sadness that we say goodbye to him as he embarks on the next phase of his journey. His personality, antics, and loving nature have won over the hearts of everyone whose lives he has touched. Still, we are thrilled to know that he will be able to live out the rest of his days at one of the nation’s premier chimpanzee sanctuaries. And it’s just an added bonus that it is close enough for us to drop by occasionally to visit our friend,” says Vice President of Animal Welfare, Dr. Teri Schweiss.