As Seen on TV: Saving Chimpanzees

Oct. 16, 2008— -- According to the Humane Society of the United States, there are about 1,200 chimpanzees in U.S. laboratories. For most of their lives, they are used for research, without access to the outdoors.

ABC's Neal Karlinsky traveled to Cle Elum, Wash., where he met Keith LaChapelle, a man doing something to give back by putting the well-being of chimpanzees ahead of his own. LaChapelle took in seven chimps that spent their lives undergoing liver bioposies for a hepatitis vaccine and that were forced to heavily breed. He founded the Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest (CSNW) to provide care for formerly abused or exploited chimpanzees in need of a home.

Meet the Chimpanzees! Annie, Burrito, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Missy, and Negra make up the Cle Elum Seven, and are the first residents of CSNW.

Stay up to date with the chimps on their blog, or subscribe to the e-newsletter.

LaChapelle gave up his retirement to give back to seven chimps, spending roughly $300,000 to build the sanctuary; his organization relies on donations. DONATE NOW.

By making a gift of $20 a month, you can become a Chimpanzee Pal.

Become a Volunteer and help cook food for the chimps. Check out the CSNW wishlist of items for both chimps and humans.

Learn more about how to help CSNW fundraise. It's as easy as asking local businesses to get involved and patronizing participating vendors.