Photo source - Google

Vanilla the Chimpanzee Witnesses Open Sky for the First Time After Leaving Cage-bound Life Behind

June 29, 2023
1 min read

The heartwarming story of Vanilla, the 28-year-old chimpanzee, highlights her journey from a cramped cage in a research laboratory to the open expanse of a sanctuary home. Vanilla, who spent her early years in a biomedical research laboratory in New York, was commonly housed in a small cage suspended from the ground. However, she was rescued by another sanctuary that also had cage tops, obstructing her view of the open sky.

When that facility closed in 2019, Save the Chimps, a sanctuary in Florida, decided to provide Vanilla and her family with a forever home. After a quarantine period, Vanilla and her family were introduced to one of the larger family groups at the sanctuary. They can now roam and live freely on a three-acre island and choose how to spend their days.

The heartwarming video shared by Save the Chimps captures Vanilla’s first steps outside, where she embraces the alpha male named Dwight and expresses her joy and awe at the open sky. After her initial hesitation, Vanilla has adapted well to her new surroundings and is now enjoying exploring the island and relaxing with her family. Vanilla has probably seen open sky for the first time. 

“We are happy to share that Vanilla and Shake are now fully integrated into this large chimpanzee family, giving them the opportunity and freedom to explore the family’s 3-acre island. Shake went out onto the island without hesitation, but Vanilla was a bit more apprehensive when the door opened to this new world. She sat in the doorway until Dwight, the alpha male, encouraged her to join him.” 



– Save The Chimps

Save the Chimps is a sanctuary that provides a safe haven for over 220 chimpanzees rescued from various backgrounds, including laboratories, the entertainment industry, exotic pet trade, and roadside zoos. The sanctuary aims to give these intelligent and social animals an opportunity to thrive and experience a life closer to their natural habitat.

Vanilla’s story is heartwarming and shows how resilient animals can be. Her transformation from a confined cage to the open sanctuary demonstrates the importance of providing chimpanzees and other animals with the chance to live in a more suitable environment.

Govind Tekale

Embarking on a new journey post-retirement, Govind, once a dedicated teacher, has transformed his enduring passion for current affairs and general knowledge into a conduit for expression through writing. His historical love affair with reading, which borders on addiction, has evolved into a medium to articulate his thoughts and disseminate vital information. Govind pens down his insights on a myriad of crucial topics, including the environment, wildlife, energy, sustainability, and health, weaving through every aspect that is quintessential for both our existence and that of our planet. His writings not only mirror his profound understanding and curiosity but also serve as a valuable resource, offering a deep dive into issues that are critical to our collective future and well-being.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

Defrosting Ancient Terrors: The Alarming Risks of Thawing Arctic Permafrost

Next Story

Environmentalists and Native Americans Confront the Threat of Nevada’s Lithium Mine: Sacred Lands vs. Industrial Progress

Latest from Nature

Don't Miss