Chimpanzees Rescued From Union Ridge Wildlife Center

Four chimpanzees—April, Anna, Lucy, and Cash—were rescued from the Union Ridge Wildlife Center in Ohio, a roadside zoo formerly operated by notorious animal exploiter and convicted felon Cy Vierstra, who had recently pleaded guilty to multiple felonies relating to his theft of more than $287,500 in public funds. The chimpanzees were transferred to the accredited Save the Chimps sanctuary in Florida, giving them the opportunity to explore lush grounds and socialize with other chimpanzees. Their rescue followed a complaint from PETA to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and we’ve assisted in funding their sanctuary care.