Shu Shu means “my little cabbage,” a term of endearment that reflects the vet’s fondness for her because of her sweet disposition.
LEMSIP was established in 1965 with the goal of becoming a federally funded primate research center for the New York area, but it remained a private laboratory until it closed in 1997. The lab, located in a wooded area north of New York City, was affiliated with New York University’s (NYU) School of Medicine.
In 1997, LEMSIP chimpanzees were sent to the primate testing and breeding lab Coulston, but not before the veterinarian managed to place 109 chimpanzees and 100 monkeys in sanctuaries around North America, including Primarily Primates PPI.
At PPI, Shu Shu loves her squeaky toys, which she gets during enrichment activities, something adult chimps did not experience at LEMSIP. And after being housed singly in a small, steel lab cage that hung above the floor without any outdoor access, Shu Shu also loves living with Baxter for the companionship it provides. She recently received access to PPI’s Primadome.
The geodesic dome includes overhead tunnels to connect habitats so that three to five groups of chimpanzees have access to a new, exciting area. Enrichment elements include a grassy floor, a variety of climbing structures and hammocks, and a cupola where chimpanzees can climb 25 feet to view the tree tops. The flexibility of this new area allows the care stuff to modify and vary its play elements, while hiding toys and treats for the apes to discover throughout the day.
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