For travelers who love watching and learning about wildlife, especially chimpanzees, it may be time to visit Keithville, Louisiana, and the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary.

Chimp Haven is home to more than 300 chimpanzees, and visitors are welcome to attend several upcoming special events, as well as the possibility of organizing your own group tours for family and friends.

© Chimp Haven

Animal sanctuaries seldom open to the public, as their top priority is animal care. Chimp Haven, a private, non-profit sanctuary located on 200 forested acres, not far from Shreveport, Louisiana, was designed entirely for chimpanzees. The chimps can roam woodlands, feast on fresh fruits and veggies, thrive in large families, and live in what Chimp Haven calls “The Chimp Live.”

“We are open for private tours year-round and arrange special events at various times of the year,” said Rana Smith, president and CEO, Chimp Haven. “Fall and spring is when the chimps are most active outside, and visitors can see the chimps roaming in their social groups, climbing trees, and living their best lives.”

Upcoming 2024 events include:

Enrichment with the Chimps (March 2, 9 a.m.–noon): Guests get a behind-the-scenes look at Chimp Life with access to the special experience of preparing enrichment for the chimpanzees. Tickets are $100 per person and participants must be age 7 or older.

© Chimp Haven

Brunch in the Wild (March 24, 9 a.m.–noon): This one-of-a-kind experience features a delicious brunch, observation of a chimp painting, private tour of the sanctuary and more special opportunities to view the chimps. This experience is $300 per person and available to ages 7 or older.

Chimpanzee Discovery Day (April 13, 9 a.m.–noon): Visitors celebrate spring with a morning of activities while observing chimps. This large-scale event is open to the public and includes craft stations, educational chats and special treats. Tickets are $20 for visitors ages 13 and older, or $10 for ages 5–12. Children 4 and under are free. A limited number of behind-the-scenes hayride tickets are also available.

Chimpanzee Discovery Day (Oct. 22, 9 a.m. – noon): Visitors dress up in their favorite costume for a fall-themed morning of activities while observing the chimps. This large-scale event is open to the public and includes craft stations, educational chats and special treats. Bring a canned pumpkin donation for the chimps! Tickets are $20 for visitors 13 years and older, or $10 for ages 5–12. Children 4 and under are free, but still need a ticket. Date and time for fall Discovery Day are not yet available.

© Chimp Haven

Private tours are available for a minimum tax-deductible donation of $500 for up to six guests 7 years and older, or $1,000 for up to 12 participants. Tours can be scheduled for weekdays during normal business hours.