Most of the ex-lab chimpanzees were stolen from the jungle as baby apes and had to watch their families being killed. Once in Austria, they were kept in an experimental laboratory for 30 years, without contact with conspecifics in a very small space. Animal experiments on apes have been banned in Austria since 1997. Since then, the chimpanzees have been reclaiming their lives. The management and care of the animals was handed over to the Safari Park in Gänserndorf, which finally went bankrupt in 2004. At that time their fate was uncertain. In 2009, they were taken over by Gut Aiderbichl from a bankruptcy estate and have been under our protection ever since. Ingrid became a very reserved chimpanzee during the research. For a very long time she did not even allow herself to be touched by her fellow chimpanzees. Meanwhile she loves to play and laughs very much. She is still rather reserved and also moody, it takes her a very long time to build up trust. Ingrid loves to use tools and is incredibly patient and persistent. When she is unsure, she retreats to the highest place in the living room. She then doesn't want to see or hear anyone. That is why outdoor enclosures are so important. When she feels air and sun, then surely the circle closes for Ingrid, too. In a way, she can go back to when she was a child and lived with her mother.
Make an animal sponsorship for our chimpanzees
An animal sponsorship for our chimpanzees is possible from 15 euros per month. As a chimpanzee sponsor you have the exclusive advantage of visiting the Gut Aiderbichl monkey sanctuary. All other advantages can be found HERE.
