Chimpanzee SSP

The Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan

The Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan (SSP) serves 35 zoos across the United States to help guide the management of the chimpanzee population. Although our primary role is in population management, we are ultimately interested in the health and wellbeing of ALL chimpanzees, including those living outside accredited zoos and in the wild. The Chimpanzee SSP is administered under the Ape Taxon Advisory Group (TAG).

There are over 107 species survival plans covering 161 species administered by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA). Species range from lions and rhinos to toads and toucans. You can find out more about SSPs at www.aza.org.

News

The 2013 Chimpanzee SSP Husbandry Workshop is SOLD OUT

WHEN: April 30-May 2 (2.5 days)
WHERE: Houston Zoo
COST: $120 per person, includes all workshop materials and many meals!

Check out the website for more information or email Judy McCauliffe at jmcauliffe@houstonzoo.org

Stay tuned for information on upcoming workshops in Detroit (2015) and Tampa Bay (2017)

Location Map

Chimpanzees of the SSP
The current population of chimpanzees in accredited North American zoos stands at

254

Click here for an interactive map and to learn more.

Program Goals (REACH)

Research Science guides much of the management practices of the SSP. Find out more about what research projects are currently being conducted by the SSP.

Education Public outreach is a vital component if we are to make a difference in public attitudes towards chimpanzees. Find out more about recent education initiatives sponsored by the Chimpanzee SSP.

Advocacy Chimpanzees faces myriad challenges in today's world. The Chimpanzee SSP is committed to taking a stand on some of the critical issues facing the species as well as promoting optimal care in zoos.

Conservation Critically endangered in their native Africa, chimpanzee populations are perilously low due to several factors including deforestation, disease and the bushmeat crisis. The SSP supports in situ activities that address these critical issues.

Husbandry The people that look after chimpanzees in accredited zoos have some of the most rewarding yet challenging jobs around. The SSP serves these institutions by providing contemporary information about the proper care and management of chimpanzee groups in a variety of settings.

About Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees are one of the five types of great apes along with gorillas, orangutans, bonobos and humans. They are well-known for their intelligence, tool-use, and complex social behavior patterns. They, along with bonobos, are considered to be the most closely related species to humans.

Click here to find out more

Caring for Chimpanzees

Together with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Chimpanzee SSP serves the 35 accredited zoos housing chimpanzees in North America.

Working closely with respected professionals in the field, the SSP provides help and guidance to zoos housing chimpanzees. Together, zoos and the SSP seeks to provide the best possible environment for these amazing animals.

Issues

All over the world, chimpanzees are facing great challenges. The Chimpanzee SSP is committed to advancing the care of chimpanzees and making a stand on some of the critical issues facing chimpanzees today

	Apes in Entertainment You've probably seen them on television. Or in the movies. Playing the guitar, skating on an ice rink or dressed up in business suits. It may look funny at first but what you might not realize is that the lives of these incredible animals is not what it seems to be... Read More

	Pet Primates A young chimpanzee can be one of the most magnetic sights you will ever see. Instantly, you may feel compelled to hold her, hug her... and maybe even take her home as a pet. Follow these instincts and you could be in for a world of heartache down the road. As chimpanzees get older, they won't be as easily handled and the results could be extremely dangerous... Read More

	The Bushmeat Crisis Though habitat loss is often cited as the primary threat to wildlife, commercial hunting for the meat of wild animals such as chimpanzees has become the most single most significant threat to the future of wildlife in Africa and around the world... Read More

	Deforestation Closely tied with the illegal bushmeat trade is the problem of widespread and massive loss of primary chimpanzee habitat in Africa. Habitat fragmentation has a tremendous effect on chimpanzee populations and threatens their viability for future generations... Read More