Research Chimp "Captain Kirk" Transported to Sanctuary

After 34 years in research, chimpanzee Kirk and his nine group mates from the lab had their first chance to go outside into a forest at the Project Chimps sanctuary in the Blue Ridge Mountains. After lives in the lab, many research chimps are afraid to step outside. The forest seems like a big, scary place and even dirt can be unfamiliar. Kirk is a strong alpha chimp, hence his nickname "Captain Kirk." But would he be strong enough to lead his group outside? Watch as this special day unfolds for Kirk and his group mates Greg, Rusty, Tibi, Armond, Luke, Justin, Rocko, Maverick and Neal. You can meet them at projectchimps.org and follow their daily adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Support them with a donation or an item from our Amazon Wish List. Even $7 helps to feed a chimp like Kirk for a day. Every bit helps us bring more chimps from the lab to permanent sanctuary. Photos by Crystal Alba.