The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary

Sometimes a book just grabs and pulls you in, and The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary: A True Story of Resilience and Recovery is one of those books! From the moment I started reading to the very end, I could hardly put the book down. I just had to know what was going to happen as the author, Andrew Westoll, worked at this special sanctuary. His storytelling was so wonderful, and of course the subject matter was so interesting, that I really couldn’t wait to pick the book up.

The book tells the story of a very special sanctuary where chimpamzees were retired after working as test subjects in labs. Their personal stories are heartbreaking, and of course I felt a lot of anger and disgust at the practices these wonderful animals had to endure. Especially when there are better alternatives and such few benefits. Luckily for the chimps at Fauna they are having a second chance to live their lives with more dignity. Gloria Grow and her husband Richard have dedicated their lives to these chimps and other animals on their farm. Gloria does all she can to make the chimps as happy as possible, and with these chimps it’s not always easy!

Get your hands on a copy of this book! It’s just wonderful, and knowing that there are people out there who care so much about chimpanzees is a heartwarming counterpart to the darker side of the story. Also, you can learn more about Fauna Sanctuary at faunafoundation.org. Another way you can help right now (if you are American) is by writing your congressman in support of the Great Ape Protection Act, which not only will save chimpanzees from life in laboratories, but will also save millions of tax payer dollars!