Most of the ex-laboratory chimpanzees were stolen from the jungle as baby monkeys and had to watch their families being killed. Once they arrived in Austria, they were kept in an experimental laboratory for 30 years, without contact with other apes in a very small space. Animal experiments on apes have been banned in Austria since 1997 and 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. Since then, their fate has been uncertain. In 2009, they were taken over by Gut Aiderbichl from a bankrupt estate and have been under our protection ever since. Star is our oldest chimpanzee, but in top condition. She loves to play with Spätzle before breakfast. Their loud laughter can be heard from afar. Just a few years ago, Star was completely inaccessible and a loner. She had no interest in either her conspecifics or the keepers. The regrouping, but especially when Benjamin joined the group, Star's life changed abruptly. Benjamin has clearly brought out Star's softer side. She shows this by grooming with her conspecifics for a long time. Thanks to the new daily challenges and the opportunity to use the outdoor facilities, she has developed into an open, friendly and sociable chimpanzee. To the particular "delight" of our keepers, she loves to carry thistle bushes into the living area.
