Program Information

Founded in 1984, ChimpanZoo is an international research program dedicated to the study of chimpanzees in zoos and other captive settings. Approximately 200 chimpanzees are involved in ChimpanZoo, making it the largest ape research program ever undertaken. Trained by participating zoos and the Jane Goodall Institute, students, caretakers and volunteers record behavioral observations and work with zoo keepers to improve the lives of captive chimpanzees and compare their behavior to that of chimps in the wild.

The results of the studies are presented at annual ChimpanZoo conferences, the location of which changes each year. It serves as a forum for discussing and exchanging new information and ideas. The conference attracts the academic and zoological communities, as well as the public. Guest lecturers are also invited to speak about their latest research, and findings are published in scholarly journals. The database is also accessible to zoos, students and instructors.

Goals:

• To increase public awareness about the plight of chimpanzees and to increase understanding of chimpanzee behavior.
• To assist zoos in their efforts to improve the habitats and conditions for captive chimpanzees.
• To facilitate the exchange of information on ways to enrich the lives of captive chimpanzees.

For more information about joining the research program, please contact:

ChimpanZoo
1717 E. Speedway Blvd.
Babcock Bldg., #3106
Tucson, AZ 85721
Phone: (520) 621-4785
Fax: (520) 621-2230
Email: info@chimpanzoo.org