Go Ape at Whipsnade!

Whipsnade Wild Animal Park's family of chimps are moving into their new home - the brand new 'Chimpnasium' on Wednesday 7th April. The grand opening of the new enclosure is taking place in the Park at 11am and you are invited to the 'house warming'.

You will be able to see Elvis, Bonnie, Primrose, Phil, Grant and Zephyr & Nick enjoying their new home and playing up to the cameras!

The new 'Chimpnasium' is an extensive indoor house providing a variety of opportunities for swinging, playing, or sleeping in the high level hammocks. Large viewing areas provide a fabulous perspective of the chimps' play area, but also allow a real close encounter, as they forage in the bark and log piles adjacent to the windows. This is the chance for any visitor to get a real insight into chimp behaviour.

Notes to editors:

• Chimpanzees are an endangered species, currently at threat from the bushmeat trade and habitat loss

• Chimps are our closet living relative

• Chimps can live up to 50 years

• Chimps live in complex social groups

• Founded in 1826, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international scientific, conservation and educational charity: our key role is the conservation of animals and their habitats. ZSL runs London Zoo and Whipsnade Wild Animal Park, carries out scientific research in the Institute of Zoology and is actively involved in field conservation worldwide.

For further information contact the ZSL PR office:
Nathalie Golden
020 7449 6280 or nathalie.golden@zsl.org