In brief
Two chimpanzees, Eli and Susie, who spent their early years in Hollywood, are slowly acclimating to life at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Experts advocate for a humane approach to rehabilitating these chimps, emphasizing the dangers of the pet primate trade, as they seek to foster natural behaviors among them.
On a rainy day at Lincoln Park Zoo, the mood inside the chimpanzee exhibit was lively, but not for the residents. While children outside exclaimed in delight, the zoo's resident chimpanzees were busy foraging and resting, seeming unperturbed by the attention. However, behind closed doors, two of the zoo's inhabitants, Eli and Susie, were adapting to a new chapter in their lives after starring in numerous Hollywood productions.Eli, a gentle young adult chimp, and Susie, a feisty female, both once in the limelight, reacted differently when presented with unfamiliar visitors. Eli, nervous, approached cautiously, while Susie let out distressed shrieks at the sight of cameras, indicating unease. Before their arrival at the zoo in 2020, both chimps had a successful career in show business, with credits spanning television shows, movies, and commercials. As the spotlight fades, they are now navigating the challenges of socialization among their species.The captivity of chimpanzees has been a controversial issue, especially as they were only granted protection under the Endangered Species Act in 2015. Despite this, no universal laws prevent private ownership of chimps, which often leads to dire consequences. The recent docuseries "Chimp Crazy" underscores these risks, revealing the harsh realities of chimps kept as pets, sometimes resulting in tragic outcomes.The staff at Lincoln Park Zoo recognizes the need to help these chimps transition from their human-centric past to a more natural existence. They are working diligently to guide Eli and Susie in unlearning behaviors that were taught to them by humans, aiming to foster their instinctual traits and social skills that are inherent in wild chimpanzees. Advocates for animal welfare, such as Kate Dylewsky from the Animal Welfare Institute, are pushing for stricter regulations around the ownership of nonhuman primates. They argue that the pet primate trade can lead to dangerous conditions for both humans and animals, and it is essential to promote awareness and humane treatment for these intelligent creatures.
