A Plan to Relocate the WAO Animals?

Yesterday I learned that various organizations wishing to adopt the WAO are receiving push back from Michelle Cryer.  I am at a loss as to why the WAO is not placing as many cats as they can with reputable organizations.

And then I found this GFAS note on Facebook today:

Mark Hernandez Any news on what is going to happen to the big cats and primates that are still at the WAO?

May 24, 2011

Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) There was a court hearing today, didn't hear the outcome, but I think the plan is back to place them!

Okay, this makes no sense as the WAO has been placing animals since last year.  What plan??

And then there as this photo posted with comments on GFAS Facebook page today: 

Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS)
Here's JoJo, ready to go to Chimp Haven as soon as we raise $170,000. Eyeglasses and noses fascinate JoJo. He is always wanting to try and clean other's noses. Favorite fruit = grapes, apples. Favorite veggies = romaine lettuce, carrots.
  

 
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) He'll pick up pieces of straw or small sticks to try and pick noses (hey, everyone needs a hobby!) and bobs his head with excitement when he is able to get the stick/straw close to a nose. I think that is a chimp using a tool, no?  

I wonder if whoever took this picture was in full bio-safety gear as JoJo is part of the HIV chimp group?

Another older photo taken by either Mary or Michelle Reininger in 2010 on GFAS Facebook page on June 1, 2011:

Flick has a shoe fettish, especially for boots of any kind. Loves to watch people's feet. If you stomp/dance, he will stomp/dance with you and clap his hands in excitement. Flicks his lower lip down when he sees something he really, really wants (probably how he got his name). Favorite fruit = grapes, apples. Favorite veggies = romaine lettuce, carrots. Ready to go to Chimp Haven, just needs a ticket to get there!
May 26 at 11:24am

All Chimp Haven needs to finish an enclosure to receive these five boys is $34,000 per chimp! Meet #4, Pierre!

Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS)


As the boss of all the chimps, he is also called "Papa Pierre". Loves to play chase with Murphy (#5, coming up), Flick and the caretakers. With the chimps, he usually chases them; with the caretakers, they have to chase him (from outside the enclosure, of course!). He enjoys this exercise and laughs most of the time when he's playing. June 1, 2011

Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS)

He also loves to get his belly or chin scratched while being told how much he is adored. (A sturdy piece of rubber hose makes a great scratching tool.) Favorite fruit = mango, grapes. Favorite veggies = romaine lettuce, corn on the cob. June 1, 2011

By Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS)

Love this shot of Murphy! A very dignified chimp, Murphy loves to point to things he wants and make the caretakers get them for him. His favorite things that he points to are: tree branches (most of the boys love to eat the leaves off of a certain type of tree) and grasses.

June 2, 2011


Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) If he's happy to see you, he'll reward you with an outstretched arm and point his fingers at you. Favorite fruit = grapes, grapefruit. Favorite veggies = corn on the cob, romaine lettuce.

You know, for years on end the WAO chimps did not receive fresh fruits or vegetables, rather they were forced to eat the same monkey chow day in and day out.  I imagine any type of produce would be a "favorite" over the same old meal each day!  It took years of hard work pressuring the WAO and the USDA to get them to finally feed produce to the chimps and the monks.  But, based on these little write-ups by GFAS, one would never have known how much the chimps suffered over the years.