The Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute Mission Statement

Loulis

The Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute (CHCI) provides sanctuary for three chimpanzees - Loulis, Tatu, and Dar. Our primary goal is ensuring the well-being and protection of these chimpanzees by guaranteeing their freedom from invasive or disruptive research, by maintaining a safe, healthy, and interesting environment, and respecting and providing for their individual needs.

CHCI’s second goal is to encourage in other humans respect, responsibility, and compassion for all of our fellow apes by offering unique, engaging educational programs and resources to elementary, secondary, and post-secondary students and the public at large.

CHCI’s third goal is to promote quality, humane research on the communication and behavior of the chimpanzees in our care, as well as research that furthers both the care of captive chimpanzees and conservation efforts to save chimpanzees from extinction by serving as a resource for the students of Central Washington University, its faculty, and visiting scientists.

In accomplishing our mission, we serve the mission of Central Washington University as well. The sense of compassion and service we foster prepares students for “responsible citizenship.” Our focus on respectful and dignified interaction with all beings encourages in our students and visitors a “responsible stewardship of the Earth.” The skills and critical inquiry we teach helps our students live “enlightened, productive lives.” CHCI also plays an active role in supporting diversity within the sciences by encouraging women and other minorities to enter science.

The Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute works to inspire in all those whom we contact – be they students, scientists, or the general public – the realization that we must replace human exploitation with human compassion, that responsible citizenship requires protection of the Earth for all life, and that the essence of justice is the guarantee that all beings can live naturally, free from objectification and exploitation.