Michelle Reininger went to bed on Thursday, June 15, without a worry about the weather forecast of scattered showers. However, she soon received an emergency alert revealing a severe thunderstorm warning: winds were expected to reach 80 miles per hour. The storm started in the middle of the night, causing Michelle to lose power. By 5 a.m., after the worst had passed, Michelle quickly dressed in the dark to check on the more than 300 residents of Chimp Haven, where she served as the colony director.
As Michelle ventured out, she encountered fallen trees and downed power lines throughout the area. The main road to Chimp Haven was blocked by a fallen tree, forcing Michelle and her colleagues to gather at a nearby convenience store. Luckily, the maintenance supervisor found an alternate route into Chimp Haven and informed Michelle via text message. However, not only were there fallen trees on the local roads, but a large pine tree had also fallen in one of the chimpanzee habitats. The upper branches were resting on the enclosure’s 18-foot wall, creating a potential ramp for the chimpanzees to escape.
To ensure the safety of the chimpanzees and others, it was crucial to secure them inside immediately. Chimp Haven is a retirement home for research chimpanzees, many of which were used in studies focused on H.I.V., hepatitis, cognition, or behavior. The sanctuary, located on 200 forested acres, aims to provide the chimps with a peaceful place to spend their remaining days.
However, extreme weather events have become a growing threat to Chimp Haven. The region has experienced torrential rains, hurricane-force winds, and frequent tornadoes in recent years. Climate change is expected to intensify these storms, making the sanctuary’s preparations even more crucial. Chimp Haven has begun conducting practice drills to train the chimpanzees to take shelter quickly when alerted by employees. This training will help secure the chimps indoors, keeping them safe and preventing any potential escapes.
Each of Chimp Haven’s 30 social groups has been assigned a unique auditory cue for training purposes. The sanctuary uses sounds like ringing cowbells and blaring bicycle alarms to signal specific groups to seek shelter. Trainers desensitize the chimps to the sounds, rewarding them with treats, and progressively move the snacks indoors. Once the chimps reliably respond to the alarms, employees start closing and locking the doors, eventually training the chimps to complete the process swiftly.
Currently, five groups containing a total of 65 chimps are at various stages of training. During a recent drill, it became evident that the chimps had mastered the recall process. They swiftly made their way to the designated buildings upon hearing the alarm, with doors closing promptly and securely. However, some chimps, like Flora, may need extra encouragement or time to develop their skills.
Training the chimps to respond to alarms is a complex task due to the individual personalities, preferences, and needs of each chimp. Trainers must account for dietary preferences and shifting preferences for rewards. Additionally, some chimps may be more reluctant to come inside, while others may be more motivated by food rewards. Special considerations must be made for deaf chimps, using visual cues instead of auditory signals.
Chimp Haven employees also need to navigate the chimps’ intricate social dynamics during training. Occasionally, a cooperative chimp will be sent to persuade a hesitant chimp to come inside. However, tension can arise when dominant chimps come into contact with lower-ranking chimps during the recall process. The staff must be mindful of these dynamics to ensure a smooth and safe procedure.
Overall, Chimp Haven is dedicated to protecting its chimpanzee residents from the increasing threat of extreme weather events. Through training and preparation, the sanctuary hopes to provide a secure and serene environment for these intelligent and unique animals to live out their remaining years.
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