Visitor Information

Dar

CHCI is home to Loulis, Tatu, and Dar and is not open on a daily basis for entertainment purposes. However, CHCI believes that education is one of the most effective ways to save chimpanzees - both in their natural habitat and from the abuse of the entertainment and medical industries, and therefore offers educational programs to the public.

Visiting CHCI -

Our weekend Chimposiums run from March through November. Saturdays: 9:15 and 10:45 - Sundays: 12:30 and 2:00. Please call first for availability information and pre-paid reservations. 509-963-2244

Chimposiums - one-hour weekend educational workshops
Advanced Chimposiums - five-hour educational workshops offered select Saturdays throughout the year 2009 schedule .
Group Chimposiums - pre-aranged one-hour weekday Chimposiums for groups of 20 to 40
Apprentice Program - an in-depth, 8 week summer program. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must have completed at least one year of university level education prior to the start of the program.

Why not make a day or an entire weekend out of your Chimposium experience?! Ellensburg and Kittitas County offer great restaurants, museums, shops and outdoor recreation experiences for all ages!

What others are saying about CHCI's Chimposiums

"I definitely hope to come back. It was a very informative experience. How lucky you guys are to work here! It was interesting to learn that this is a sanctuary first and a research facility second."

"Sounds like you treat the family very well! Hope to be back, possibly for the longer session. Thank you!"

“Thank you. It was most impressive that the chimps are the first priority, not the guests! That surprised and impressed me.”

"Fascinating interaction. Hope they found us as interesting."

“Extremely informative – adds to my greater perspective of the
world around. Thank you."

"This is a rich experience. Thank you for your work on behalf of these beautiful creatures."

"Thank you for the eye opening information that you provided for us. It meant so much to me to learn about them and the impact we have on the ape species." [middle school student]

"My 3rd Chimposium and I've loved it every time! Thanks!"

"It was very educational, I learned a lot about chimp behavior and knowledge. I had never seen a chimp so it was a great experience for me. The guides were friendly and very intelligent, which made the whole experience awesome. Thank you and continue the good work!"

"Jolly good show!" [Visitor from UK]

"Learning about how chimpanzees are treated around the world was shocking. Now I never want to see a chimpanzee commercial again." [middle school student]

“This is a truly unique and valuable place. Thanks for all of your work and dedication in educating us all on how to treat these fellow primates with dignity and respect. Highly enjoyable and educational.”

"It's amazing about chimpanzee's knowing silent signals. I feel sad about the loss of habitat, logging, and bush meat trade. I never knew how similar we were to chimpanzees. I never really thought chimpanzees can really feel stuff. This tour made me realize that chimpanzees really feel stuff almost the same as us." [from a child]

"It seems like you are very proactive with keeping them safe & healthy. That is what made this experience great. Thank you. You all are amazing."

"I so much appreciate the perspective of bridging species and
understanding."

"This place is awesome." [from a child]

"You have a good program and I like the way you let them express themselves freely, while doing the workshop."

"Interesting to see how close we are to chimps. It gives me a new definition of 'human.'"

"Incredible experience! I look forward to transferring to CWU and finding a way to get involved in this awesome program. Thank you!"

"Thank you for your work and especially for the information about bushmeat."

"This is amazing. What a great way to inform the public about apes and their issues. They're beautiful! Thanks!"

"Absolutely amazing! Thank you so much for the opportunity to see the chimpanzees. They seem to have excellent healthy facilities. I hope to return."

"I admire the way everyone respects the chimpanzees' rights and space. Thank you for helping us learn."