Ex-Hollywood Chimps Adapt to Life at Lincoln Park Zoo

In a rainy morning at Lincoln Park Zoo, children filled the air with excitement while the resident chimpanzees quietly engaged in foraging and leisure. However, behind the scenes, an entirely different scenario unfolded for a separate group of chimps adjusting to their newfound lives away from the spotlight. Eli, a young adult chimp with a gentle disposition, along with Susie, a feisty female, displayed distress at the sight of unfamiliar visitors, exhibiting behaviors reflective of their past as former Hollywood stars.Before being relocated to Lincoln Park Zoo in 2020, Eli and Susie's lives revolved around entertaining in various productions, including television shows and commercials. Sadly, the plight of captive chimpanzees reflects a troubling industry where their rights remain insufficiently protected by law. Although the Endangered Species Act was extended to these primates in 2015, the private ownership of chimpanzees remains a gray area, often leading to alarming conditions showcased in the recent HBO series “Chimp Crazy,” which highlights the dangers of the pet primate trade.To counteract their human-taught behaviors, specialists at Lincoln Park Zoo are diligently working with Eli, Susie, and other chimps to foster a more authentic existence akin to that of their wild counterparts. Kate Dylewsky, the assistant director at the Animal Welfare Institute, underscores the urgent need for legislative measures to prohibit the private ownership of nonhuman primates, emphasizing the cruel implications of the trade exposed by programs like “Chimp Crazy.” Thus, as these once-famous chimps embark on the journey of self-recovery and socialization, the hope remains that they will successfully integrate with their own kind in a loving and supportive environment.