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 start every March and run through the last Saturday (when we offer the 10:45 time only-) in November. We offer 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 2010 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

"It was most amazing to see how passionate volunteers are here. It really made the experience."

“I never would have thought that animals could communicate in that way and actually comprehend. It brings a whole other intellectual side to them.”

"Amazing. So nice to see such consideration for the family. Thank you for the information and refreshed perspective. I was so misinformed and am grateful to have been corrected."

"Excellent experience once again. This is my third visit and each time I learn something new. Keep up the great work!"

“Seeing the chimpanzee project has made me think I’d like to go further with it, like interpreting or taking additional college classes.” [High School Student]

"Thank you for teaching us about chimpanzees. I now know that the smiles they show of chimps on cards is of fear, and that they are our closest relative." [Grade School Student]

"Thank you so much for providing a wonderful opportunity for our students. They really learned a lot and changed a number of their assumptions about chimpanzees. Keep up the good work!" [Grade School Science Teacher]

“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!"

" 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."

"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."

"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."

"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."