Vanilla the Chimpanzee: Rescued from Biomedical Research, Thriving in Save The Chimps Sanctuary - FedEx Cares Initiative
Vanilla, a 29-year-old chimpanzee, faced a challenging past spent in a biomedical research laboratory in New York without exposure to sunlight or outdoor time. However, her fate took a positive turn when, with the assistance of FedEx, she and six other chimpanzees, known as the Sunrise Seven, were relocated from the Wildlife Waystation in California to Save The Chimps sanctuary in Florida. This move proved to be life-changing for Vanilla and her fellow chimps, who had previously endured difficult conditions, having been rescued from biomedical research facilities and the entertainment industry.
Save The Chimps in Florida offered Vanilla a true sanctuary where she could now enjoy a natural environment and socialize with other chimpanzees for the remainder of her life. The process of acclimating to this new environment and making friends involved Vanilla being quarantined initially and then introduced to various groups of chimpanzees, helping her find her place among them. She eventually found her fit with the Air Force group, a troop of chimps descended from primates used by NASA and the U.S. Air Force. Vanilla's days were now filled with joyful activities like roaming, relaxing naps, and basking in the sunlight alongside her newfound companions.
Dan Mathews from Save The Chimps expressed optimism about Vanilla's future, stating that she could live happily in this sanctuary for another 30 or 40 years. She seemed delighted to have a world of her own, an environment that closely resembled a natural habitat, and she wholeheartedly embraced it.
The involvement of FedEx in transporting Vanilla and her companions was part of the company's FedEx Cares "Delivering for Good" initiative, through which they utilize their global network and logistics expertise to support organizations with critical missions and aid communities during and after crises.
To witness Vanilla's heartwarming introduction to her outdoor island home at Save The Chimps Florida sanctuary, you can find the video by clicking here.
Learn more about FedEx Cares Delivering for Good initiative here.
Save The Chimps in Florida offered Vanilla a true sanctuary where she could now enjoy a natural environment and socialize with other chimpanzees for the remainder of her life. The process of acclimating to this new environment and making friends involved Vanilla being quarantined initially and then introduced to various groups of chimpanzees, helping her find her place among them. She eventually found her fit with the Air Force group, a troop of chimps descended from primates used by NASA and the U.S. Air Force. Vanilla's days were now filled with joyful activities like roaming, relaxing naps, and basking in the sunlight alongside her newfound companions.
Dan Mathews from Save The Chimps expressed optimism about Vanilla's future, stating that she could live happily in this sanctuary for another 30 or 40 years. She seemed delighted to have a world of her own, an environment that closely resembled a natural habitat, and she wholeheartedly embraced it.
The involvement of FedEx in transporting Vanilla and her companions was part of the company's FedEx Cares "Delivering for Good" initiative, through which they utilize their global network and logistics expertise to support organizations with critical missions and aid communities during and after crises.
To witness Vanilla's heartwarming introduction to her outdoor island home at Save The Chimps Florida sanctuary, you can find the video by clicking here.
Learn more about FedEx Cares Delivering for Good initiative here.
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