Animal Haven Sanctuary

Animal Haven Sanctuary provides lifetime care for chimpanzees that have been used in the entertainment industry or were used for biomedical research.

Animal Haven Sanctuary is a private 501(c)(3) non profit organization whose mission is to provide lifetime care for chimpanzees that are no longer used in the entertainment industry, or rejected as pets, or were once used for biomedical research.Animal Haven was founded in 1985 by Ralph and Virginia Brauer to provide these chimpanzees with a retirement facility to live out their lives in dignity.

Our Sanctuary home sits on 22 acres in the mountains Kern County, California.

Animal Haven does not receive any funding. The Sanctuary is fully supported by donations.

Virginia, came to this country at age 22 to escape the violence in her home country of Africa. She eventually went to work for Lion Country Safari in Orange County, California. When Lion Country Safari closed down, Ms. Brauer, took the animals that had not found other suitable arrangements, and opened Animal Haven Sanctuary. She took with her wildebeests, zebra’s, chimpanzees, birds, and other animals. Over time, the Sanctuary became more known for the Chimpanzees, as the other animals eventually lived their lives to their natural ends. However, the Sanctuary is still home to 2 of the Cockatoo birds, Caeser and Cleo. They have been with the Sanctuary for approximately 30 years!

A special enclosure was been built to comfortably hold up to 6-8 chimps. It is huge and has two levels with a connecting bridge. There are plenty of toys, tires, and ropes to entertain and stimulate the chimps. The enclosure has the most incredible views of mountains and valleys. Often time, Ace will sit and enjoy the view for hours.

There is also an enclosed bunkhouse that provides sleeping quarters with individual beds. There is a television and DVR for movies. Watching TV and movies is a nightly ritual.

The enclosure and bunk house are kept immaculately clean. The nighttime bedding is washed daily.

Chimpanzees often live to the age of 60 or older. They are approximately 98% genetically related to humans. Thus, it is not morally acceptable to abuse or murder our sibling species. Chimps have dedicated their lives to the human cause (medical research, space travel, movies...) and are now unwanted and forgotten.

We must now ensure that their contribution to humanity is rewarded by providing them with the best possible care for the remainder of their years.

The Sanctuary is dedicated in memory of Isaac. Isaac was the first chimp to come to the Sanctuary. He spent 25 years of his life here. He died peacefully in 2005 due to complications from diabetes. He was greatly loved and is greatly missed.

161 Charity Rd
Caliente, CA 93518
United States