FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — In rural St. Lucie County, a sanctuary known as “Save the Chimps” is providing a haven for over 200 chimpanzees rescued from research labs, abuse, animal trafficking, and the entertainment industry.

The sanctuary, located in Fort Pierce, offers these chimps a second chance at life, allowing them to learn to be chimps and enjoy newfound freedom.

The sanctuary recently celebrated the 9th birthday of Limbani, one of its newest residents. According to those who care for him, Limbani has never met another chimp before, is in the early stages of learning to coexist with his species.

Ana Paula Tavares, CEO of Save the Chimps, explained that many chimps, like Limbani, start in a temporary enclosure before being integrated into a family unit on one of the sanctuary’s 12 islands.

“They all share one thing hardship in the early part of their life,” said Tavares. “Most of them, if not all of them, were taken away from their mother at birth.”

Tavares highlighted the story of Tuffy, a chimp who spent most of his life in an empty swimming pool. Tuffy found companionship with Limbani, and the two have become best friends. The pair has been integrated with another duo, forming a group of four.

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“They need to know how to behave like a chimp, because they are very territorial. They live in a hierarchical society and they are expected to behave like chimpanzees,” Tavares said.

The sanctuary aims to provide chimps with an experience as close to the wild as possible, with limited human contact once they are integrated into a family unit. The sanctuary’s operations are supported by donations and fundraisers, including a collaboration with the late Ozzy Osbourne, which raised thousands of dollars.

“That’s what we give them, each other,” Tavares told CBS12 News.

While the sanctuary is generally closed to the public, it opens its doors a few times a year.

Registration is now open for the annual Chimpathon 5K and 10K run/walk, scheduled for late February, with proceeds going to support the sanctuary.

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