Fauna Foundation facts for kids
The Fauna Foundation is a special place in Canada that gives a safe home to chimpanzees. It's the only chimpanzee sanctuary in the whole country! Located near Chambly, which is close to Montreal, the foundation helps chimpanzees who have been part of research.
The story of Fauna began in 1990. Gloria Grow and Dr. Richard Allan started it on their 150-acre farm. In 1997, it officially became the Fauna Foundation. Their main goal was to rescue and care for chimpanzees, especially after a research facility called LEMSIP closed down.
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What is the Fauna Foundation?
The Fauna Foundation is a non-profit organization. This means it doesn't aim to make money. Instead, it focuses on helping animals. It's known for being the very first sanctuary to welcome chimpanzees who had HIV. This shows their dedication to caring for all chimpanzees in need.
A Safe Home for Chimpanzees
The sanctuary provides a peaceful and natural environment for the chimpanzees. They get to live in groups, play, and explore, much like they would in the wild. The staff at Fauna work hard to make sure the chimpanzees are healthy and happy. They receive special care, good food, and lots of attention.
Famous Chimpanzees at Fauna
Over the years, many chimpanzees have found a home at Fauna. In August 2013, two famous chimpanzees named Loulis and Tatu moved there. They came from the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute (CHCI). These chimpanzees were known for their ability to communicate using sign language.
A Book About Fauna
The important work of the Fauna Foundation has even inspired a book! In 2012, an author named Andrew Westoll wrote a non-fiction book called The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary. This book shares his experiences with the chimpanzees living at the foundation. It even won a special award called the Charles Taylor Prize.
How Fauna is Supported
The Fauna Foundation is a registered charity. In the United States, it's known as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. This means people can donate to help support the chimpanzees and the sanctuary's important work. Donations help pay for food, medical care, and keeping the chimpanzees' homes safe and comfortable.
