Emory Donates Five Chimpanzees to Oregon Zoo


May 24, 2022

Media Contacts

Lisa Newbern
p: 404-727-7709
e: lisa.newbern@emory.edu

ATLANTA -- The Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC) has donated five chimpanzees to the Oregon Zoo in Portland. This is the center's fourth donation of chimpanzees.

The 64-acre Oregon Zoo, which was established in 1888 and moved to its current location in 1959, is home to around 1,500 animals representing more than 175 species, including critically endangered orangutans, lemurs and gibbons. Approximately 1.5 million guests visit this Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)–accredited zoo annually.

"We are pleased to announce our fourth donation of chimpanzees and are excited for the public to see the animals in an exhibit built specifically for them,"; says R. Paul Johnson, MD, EPC director. "We worked collaboratively over the last several years with the Oregon Zoo and the Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan (SSP), which helps guide the management of zoo chimpanzee populations," Johnson continues.

The Oregon Zoo's recently opened Primate Forest habitat includes multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, and was designed to accommodate large family groups. Climbing structures and varied terrain are featured throughout the habitat, in addition to a running stream and a simulated termite mound to encourage natural foraging behavior.

"We're honored to be entrusted with the care of these chimpanzees," said Kate Gilmore, who oversees the zoo's primate area. ";We have a top-notch home for them at the Oregon Zoo and an experienced care staff who have worked hard to make sure this group is comfortable and thriving. We're all very excited to get to know the five chimpanzees better."

"The Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan is again pleased to have worked with the Emory National Primate Research Center. Our ongoing, collaborative relationship helps ensure the chimpanzees continue to receive expert care and can be part of educational programs to help the public learn more about this endangered species," says Tina Cloutier Barbour, PhD, Chimpanzee SSP program leader.

Dedicated to discovering causes, preventions, treatments and cures, the Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC), part of Emory University's Robert W. Woodruff Health Sciences Center, is fighting diseases and improving human health and lives worldwide. The center, one of only seven NPRCs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funds, is supported by more than $88 million in research funding (all sources, fiscal year 2021). EPC researchers are making landmark discoveries in microbiology and immunology; neurologic diseases; neuropharmacology; behavioral, cognitive, and developmental neuroscience; and psychiatric disorders. Since 1984, the center has been fully accredited by the AAALAC International, regarded as the gold seal of approval for laboratory animal care.

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The Robert W. Woodruff Health Sciences Center of Emory University is an academic health science and service center focused on missions of teaching, research, health care and public service. Its components include the Emory University School of Medicine, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, and Rollins School of Public Health; Yerkes National Primate Research Center; Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University; and Emory Healthcare, the largest, most comprehensive health system in Georgia. Emory Healthcare includes: The Emory Clinic, Emory-Children's Center, Emory University Hospital, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Wesley Woods Center, and Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital. The Woodruff Health Sciences Center has a $2.5 billion budget, 17,600 employees, 2,500 full-time and 1,500 affiliated faculty, 4,700 students and trainees, and a $5.7 billion economic impact on metro Atlanta.

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