Comments On: Chimp Farm

North Pinellas Times (An Edition of the St Petersburg Times) November 14, 1998
USDA TAKES AWAY CHIMP FARM'S LICENSE
*Inspections found that animals were improperly housed and that poor records were kept. Chimp Farm is appealing the decision.
by Edie Gross Times Staff Writer
PALM HARBOR-- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has revoked Chimp Farm's license and fined the roadside zoo $25,000 for keeping animals in unsafe and uncomfortable conditions.
Four surprise inspections between Nov. 15, 1995. And April 1 revealed that cages at Chimp Farm were small, rusty, dirty and had jagged edges that could hurt there animals, according to the USDA.
Inspectors also charged that the facility failed to maintain up-to-date records about its animals and improper stored food and bedding. Charges were filed Aug, 10.
The penalties were levied Nov. 3 by a USDA administrative law judge, Edwin S. Bernstein, after Chimp Farm failed to respond to the allegations on time.
"They did actually receive a response," said Dr, David Scott, head of Chimp Farm's volunteer veterinary team and a member of the non-profit board that owns the facility. "According to their rules and regulations, you only have 20 days to do it. Our letter didn't within 20 days."
Scott said he had thought Chimp Farm had 30 days to respond to the charges,
"From a legal point of view, we should've known," he said. "But we don't have a lot of attorneys."
Chimp Farm's operators will appeal the decision, Scott said. They have until early December to do this.
Until then, they can continue to operate the facility on Alt. U.S. 19, which houses about 60 animals. Including chimpanzees, orangutans, gorillas and a retired dancing bear.
Many of the animals are former circus performers. Hollywood extras or research subjects. Chimp Farm supporters say the facility south of Tarpon Springs is often the only place willing to take the animals. The zoo's operators say they know the cages are substandard. They are trying to raise money to expand onto some new property and create natural habitats for the primates said Debbie Fletcher, a board member and the granddaughter of the facility's founders, Bob and Mae Noell.
A sanctuary in San Antonio, Texas, Primarily Primates, has offered to house the animals from Chimp Farm. But Fletcher said she worries the organization will euthanize some of the older animals.
Also, Primarily Primates is not open to the public, so people cannot learn about the animals there. Fletcher said.
Wallace Swett, director of Primarily Primates, said the only time his facility euthanizes an animal is if it suffers from an incurable, disabling disease.
He said he respects the work that Chimp Farm supporters have tried to do. The Noells, who started Chimp Farm in 1954, were providing a place for old and retired animals long before anyone else was, Swett said.
In fact, the Noells, who once operated a traveling ape show, helped Primarily Primates design its first enclosures when it opened in 1978, Swett said. The sanctuary now cares for 550 primates-- refugees of circuses, side shows, research facilities and bad homes--on 10 acres.
"I really think the people at the Chimp Farm, they're not bad guys, In the early years, they were probably the first to offer their chimps retirement instead of selling them off to research," Swett said. "We would be willing to take in everything there and work cooperatively with these folks, realizing they've come upon hard times. We only want to help."
Protesting and criticizing Chimp Farm will not make things better for the animals there, Swett said.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, has long protested the conditions animals are kept in at Chimp Farm, Jennifer O'Connor, a cruelty case worker with PETA, said she gets more complaints about Chimp Farm than about any other zoo in the country.
"Our file on them is probably about a foot thick. The Chimp Farm has made activists out of people who never use the term to describe themselves in their lives," O'Connor said. "I am absolutely thrilled about the USDA's response. I've been waiting for it for years."
If Chimp Farm's appeal fails the facility will not be permitted to exhibit animals anymore because that requires a license from the USDA. The owners could reapply for a license, but they would have to meet the strict standards they are currently violating, USDA spokesman Jim Rogers said.
Fletcher said she is confident Chimp Farm will survive its latest troubles. In the past few weeks, volunteers have stepped forward to work at the zoo and help raise money for its expansion.
Safety Harbor musician Cliff Patterson said he hopes to put on a benefit concert for Chimp Farm soon.
"Even if it's just me with a tip jar out front that says "Please help the Chimp Farm,'" Patterson said "That's the worse-case scenario."
Fletcher said she has no plans to shut down Chimp Farm or move the animals to other locations.
"Closing the doors will not do anything but put temporary delays on some things," she said. "Are we going to get rid of the animals? No."
Brad and Trouble
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CHIMP FARM INC. NEWSLETTER FOR VERY IMPORTANT PRIMATES
A FEDERAL AND STATE NON PROFIT ANIMAL SANCTUARY SINCE 1954 PUBLISHED IRREGULARLY BY THE CHIMP FARM INC. VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1. NOV.1998 4612 Mt. 19 Palm Harbor Fl. 34683 (727)943-5897 Hours of operation 10 am. to 6 p.m 365 day/yr PART 1 OF 2
A BRIEF HISTORY ABOUT THE CHIMP FARM
The Farm was founded in 1954 by Bob and Mae Noell, it began as a retirement home for a traveling animal show that the family had. Bob and Mae eventually retired there as well and saw a great need to help unwanted primates as well as other animals. They began taking in abused, unwanted and sick animals. Now, almost fifty years later, the facility still exists and is still greatly needed. It now houses 26 chimpanzees, 2 gorillas, 3 orangutans, 21 monkeys, 1 bear, 2 rabbits, 1 alligator, 4 turtles, and 2 goats. These animals had nowhere else to go, and came from research labs, were ex-pets, ex-circus and show animals, and some were even dumped on the doorstep. Mae Noell has now put the facility in a trust with a board of directors to ensure that the animals will always be taken care of.
IN the past couple of years the facility has gained federal and state non-profit status class 50 lc-3 which will allow all donations to be tax deductible. Where are we going now? Well, I am sure that anyone who has visited the farm now could agree that the farm is in desperate need of being rebuilt. We actually have a name for this multi-million dollar project, it is called "PROJECT REBUILD" The facility has been fortunate enough to have received 10 acres of land across the Pinellas Trail that has been donated by one of the trustees. Now that we have the land it is time to begin fund raising and begin rebuilding.
Introducing Shawn
Born to Mary and Magillan on St. Patrick's day. If you haven't met her by now come see her soon. She is getting big. We also have two new turtles, one slider and one soft-shell, that were left on our doorstep one morning; they found a home in our alligator pit. And perhaps our most outgoing new addition is T. C., a very peppy Mexican Pygmy goat with blonde curls on the top of his head. He has fit right in at the farm and is getting along great with Blackie! One of our enrichment volunteers, Sandy James, has also had a new addition to her family, a new baby boy! Congratulations Sandy and Andy!!!
Most recent past events:
We have a new office now located across from the nursery, and have lots of donated equipment being used there. Thanks for the fax machine from Sunshine Vending, and computers, copy machines, and desks and other supplies from various people.
Shawn had her six month birthday party at McDonalds on Nebraska Ave. and US 19. Thanks to all who helped and especially to Vern for making it all possible; we saw about 600 kids there and got to talk about Project Rebuild, have fun and raise money
We were also on 6 different radio shows, including 93.3 MJ and BJ morning show, Sports A.M., and Thunder 105, to help get the word out about the future of the farm.
Shawn and others had a great turnout at The Tampa Bay Convention Center in a crowd of 35,000. Great Job everyone!!
Shawn also got to go to Marion County Nature Park with our very dedicated volunteer Christine Byrne. She participated in a presentation with Christine about Chimpanzees and the Chimp Farm.
Brad and Trouble
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CHIMP FARM INC. NEWSLETTER FOR VERY IMPORTANT PRIMATES
A FEDERAL AND STATE NON PROFIT ANIMAL SANCTUARY SINCE 1954 PART 2 of 2
Most recent past events:
We have also been in the papers a lot recently, which has drawn much needed support and attention to our plight. From this we have gained a growing group of volunteers that are going to make Project Rebuild a reality. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!
The farm personnel were also involved in First Aid, and CPR classes at The Palm Harbor Fire Station. Thanks to all who attended and those who made it possible.
Shawn and a number of volunteers spoke to the community at the St. Pete's pier 4th of July celebration. This opened up a great opportunity to be a part of a live broadcast on Channel 9.
Thank You Doreen for helping the farm become a designated bus stop, (we are now listed on the maps) and soon we will have signs up on Klosterman and Alt 19- Adopt a road.
Fund-raisers:
We are selling Chimp Farm shirts for a $10.00 donation at the front gate; we now also have socks for $5.00 a pair. if any one comes across anything else we could sell or use for fund-raisers please let us know we are always open to ideas and suggestions.
We are looking forward to a great fund-raiser happening on Sunday December 6 at Shades Bar and Grill in Palm Harbor. They have been so generous to hold an all day family event there, beginning at 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. They will be having a spaghetti dinner, dart tournament, crab walk for the kids and much more with all proceeds going to the farm! We are grateful for this exciting event. Thanks to all at SHADES. SHADES BAR AND GRILL is located at 2710 Mt 19, phone 727-787-6337.
Wish List:
We are in desperate need of a good maintenance person and concrete person. We also need volunteers in all areas of the farm: caretakers, landscapers, food prep, enrichment, gate keepers, docents, fluid-raisers, computer experienced and office people, plus much more.
Supplies needed:
Blankets, Tools of all sorts, balls, children's toys, hoses, nuts and bolts, buckets, office equipment, baby scale, gas weed eater, peanut butter, fire hose, bleach, cleaning supplies, brooms, tv's, vcr's, and radios.
Projects Under Way
Plans are under way for a huge new bear cage for Mrs. Bear, which will allow her present cage to be refurbished for Larry the baboon.
We will be selling Christmas trees for the third year in a row, with all the proceeds going to the farm. Tell your friends where to get a great quality tree for a good price!
Enrichment
We had a good turnout in our enrichment meeting and now have some good video tapes available for checking out. See Debbie Fletcher if you are interested. As always we are open to suggestions about our enrichment program, so let us know if you have any. We have been very pleased with all of the hard work and dedication of the enrichment volunteers. Thanks again.
We will be having some up coming painting parties. Please sign up-- they can be a lot of fun if we all pitch in and do it as a group.
Last but not least, we want to thank everyone who is involved at the farm, you mean a lot to the staff but most importantly to all of the animals. We can't do it with out you! Thanks again.
Brad and Trouble
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Pleas pleas send me a picture of a chimp farm
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What are some of the studies you do on the chimps if you do any?
I am studing about Primate Biology in my Life Science class. I was wondering if your farm has biologist on it? What is your favorite chimp?
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I am very interested in taking in a baby chimp into my home. If you have any information about anyone trying to find a home for a chimp, please let me know. I am a registered nurse with a lot of experience with taking care of infants and children. I also have 3 children whom are all three off to college, where as I have the time to devote to all the care and responsibility involved in raising a chimp. Any info would be appreciated.
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I am looking for a infant Chimp preferably I am a mother of one daughter of 12 years of age I am looking for another child (chimp) possibly a boy. Good foundation and stable enviroment He would have his own bedroom and have lots of love Please help me find the little boy Ive been looking for Thanks Mary
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Hello: Looking for Chimp Breeders. We are the owners of other exotics. Currently we have one vervet (primate-male 14months) cows, dogs, cats, chickens, bunnies. My husband and I are both self-employed and have plenty of time to devote to a chimp. We also, have the land to house a chimp properly....Please notify us with any information on adopting chimps or purchasing....
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I have wanted a monkey since I was 5 years old and can remember begging my parents for one as you could buy them back then in a store like Woolworths for $15.I am 47 now and STILL would give anything to have one.I would prefer either a gibbon or spider monkey but I have no idea how to aquire one.Can anyone PLEASE tell me how to do so and where to go??Thank you.
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i am also a monkey molester
We should meet up some time
and have a banana
My name is adam Jenner.
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I am a single parent that is enterested in raising a baby chimp. I can not have kids so I would like to have a baby chimp they are the closest to a child that you can get. I would like to have a girl but a boy would be great to, I have wanted a chimp for as long as I can remember. If their is anyone out there that can help me to find a new baby so I can adopt into my life please contact me, I have all the love in the world to give him he would have all my love because I have no kids I love everybody elses babies but cant have one of my own so please contact me and tell me where I can adopt a baby chimp. sherre@telepath.com or please feel free to call me any time at 405-756-4326
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I am interested in "renting" two chimpanzees to act as "flowermonkeys" in my wedding.To be more descriptive, I want two chimps to throw flowers and walk down the aisle in place of the usual small children. I know this is strange, but if anybody has any information on how to make this possiable, please let me know. Thank You.
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I feel that Chimpanzees are one of the most beautiful animals in the world. This is because they are so smart and they are so much like us. I am INCREDIBALLY interested in taking a chimp into my home. Any information that can be given would be imensly appreciated. Please email me at DREDAY68@aol.com. Thank You.
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I feel that Chimpanzees are one of the most beautiful animals in the world. This is because they are so smart and they are so much like us. I am INCREDIBALLY interested in taking a chimp into my home. Any information that can be given would be imensly appreciated. Please email me at DREDAY68@aol.com. Thank You.
User Host = ce3.net.ohio-state.edu

I feel that Chimpanzees are one of the most beautiful animals in the world. This is because they are so smart and they are so much like us. I am INCREDIBALLY interested in taking a chimp into my home. Any information that can be given would be imensly appreciated. Please email me at DREDAY68@aol.com. Thank You.
User Host = ce3.net.ohio-state.edu

I feel that Chimpanzees are one of the most beautiful animals in the world. This is because they are so smart and they are so much like us. I am INCREDIBALLY interested in taking a chimp into my home. Any information that can be given would be imensly appreciated. Please email me at DREDAY68@aol.com. Thank You.
User Host = ce3.net.ohio-state.edu

I feel that Chimpanzees are one of the most beautiful animals in the world. This is because they are so smart and they are so much like us. I am INCREDIBALLY interested in taking a chimp into my home. Any information that can be given would be imensly appreciated. Please email me at DREDAY68@aol.com. Thank You.
User Host = ce3.net.ohio-state.edu

I feel that Chimpanzees are one of the most beautiful animals in the world. This is because they are so smart and they are so much like us. I am INCREDIBALLY interested in taking a chimp into my home. Any information that can be given would be imensly appreciated. Please email me at DREDAY68@aol.com. Thank You.
User Host = ce3.net.ohio-state.edu

I feel that Chimpanzees are one of the most beautiful animals in the world. This is because they are so smart and they are so much like us. I am INCREDIBALLY interested in taking a chimp into my home. Any information that can be given would be imensly appreciated. Please email me at DREDAY68@aol.com. Thank You.
User Host = ce3.net.ohio-state.edu

I feel that Chimpanzees are one of the most beautiful animals in the world. This is because they are so smart and they are so much like us. I am INCREDIBALLY interested in taking a chimp into my home. Any information that can be given would be imensly appreciated. Please email me at DREDAY68@aol.com. Thank You.
User Host = ce3.net.ohio-state.edu