Rescued chimpanzee Vanilla, known for her awe-inspiring reaction upon seeing the sky for the first time in 30 years, is thriving in her new life at the Save the Chimps sanctuary in Florida. After spending decades in captivity, Vanilla is now discovering the joys of freedom in ways she never knew possible.
Vanilla Sky-Gazer: A Life Transformed
In June 2022, Vanilla, along with other chimps, was relocated to the 150-acre sanctuary in Fort Pierce, Florida. This was a life-changing moment for the 29-year-old chimp, who had spent most of her life in captivity, confined to a cage. The poignant moment when she first looked up and saw the vast, open sky was captured in a heartwarming video that quickly went viral. For someone who had only ever known confinement, seeing the sky for the first time was a moment of pure wonder.
Dan Mathews, director of events and special projects at Save the Chimps, expressed the significance of this moment:
“She was just welcomed so warmly. And after all she’s been through, with never being able to walk more than 10 paces in any direction, to have this kind of freedom, she’s thriving right now.”
From Solitary Confinement to Thriving Freedom
Vanilla’s story begins at the now-closed Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Surgery in Primates (LEMSIP) in Tuxedo, New York, where she spent much of her early life. Like many of the 226 chimpanzees now residing at the sanctuary, Vanilla had never experienced freedom or interacted with other chimps. Her journey from isolation to a thriving social life among fellow chimps is truly remarkable.
At Save the Chimps, Vanilla’s life has changed dramatically. She now enjoys frolicking in the open fields with other chimps, marveling at her new surroundings. The sanctuary offers a paradise for its residents, with 12 artificial islands spread across the former orange grove, giving the chimps freedom to roam without the constraints of cages or fences.
A Heartwarming Reunion with Nature
In the viral video shared by Save the Chimps primatologist Andrew Halloran, Vanilla can be seen stepping outside for the first time, her eyes widening as she gazes up at the blue sky. This simple yet profound moment marked her first real experience of the world beyond the bars of her enclosure.“She is clearly elated to have suddenly found freedom,” said Halloran.
While Vanilla wasn’t subjected to the cruel testing many other lab chimps endured, the conditions at LEMSIP were far from ideal. After a series of relocations, including a brief stay at the Wildlife Waystation in California, Vanilla finally found a permanent, loving home at Save the Chimps.
Finding Family and New Friends
Adjusting to life at the sanctuary wasn’t easy for Vanilla at first.
“She didn’t really know what to do in the grass and on the ground,” Mathews shared, reflecting on Vanilla’s early days at the sanctuary. But with time, Vanilla adapted, and she now spends her days exploring the island with her fellow chimps. She even enjoys the view from atop a three-story climbing platform, surveying her new world with a sense of awe.
Vanilla has also formed a strong bond with Dwight, the alpha male of her group. Despite Dwight’s leadership role, Vanilla has no problem stealing food from him—evidence of the deep, trusting relationship she’s built with her new family.
A New Beginning for a Resilient Survivor
Vanilla’s story is a testament to resilience and the healing power of freedom. After years of confinement, she’s now experiencing the simple pleasures of life—feeling grass beneath her feet, basking in the sunshine, and gazing at the open sky. The Save the Chimps sanctuary has given Vanilla not just a home, but a new beginning filled with love, companionship, and the freedom she deserves.
For those who’ve followed her journey, Vanilla’s transformation is a heartwarming reminder of the incredible impact compassion and care can have on animals who have endured so much. In the words of her caretakers, Vanilla is now truly thriving, and her story is one of hope, healing, and new beginnings.
