Casey was born at a breeder compound in Missouri in 1988. She was taken away from her birth mother when only a few days old, raised as a human infant by the breeder, and then sold as a private pet when she was only 10 months old. For the first few years with her human owner in New York, she shared her life with another pet chimpanzee, until her companion became ill and died when Casey was only about 5 years old. Shortly after, her owners brought home a younger infant chimpanzee (Murray) so that Casey could grow up with a chimpanzee companion in the human home. Her owners loved Casey and Murray, but were not able to provide the space and environment that adult chimpanzees need to be safe and healthy. So, in October 2010, Casey and her companion Murray were moved from their human home to the Center for Great Apes.

While in New York, as they grew, Casey and Murray had to be kept in individual indoor cages. Even though the cages were side by side and they could see each other, they no longer had the opportunity as adolescents and adults to tickle, play, and hug each other. After their first few days at the sanctuary, our staff opened the doors in all the six-bedrooms in the nighthouse and it was the first time since they were youngsters that Casey and Murray were able to embrace each other. For over an hour that first day… they hugged, groomed, chased, tickled, laughed, and eventually collapsed next to each other when they were completely worn out. More than a year now in Wauchula, they are very close friends with a strong bond.

Casey’s favorite treats are any fruits… especially oranges and strawberries, and she really loves potatoes and tomatoes. She enjoys “reading” magazines given to her for enrichment, and her favorite activity is to be groomed by Murray or the caregivers. She frequently offers her back to someone and requests grooming and attention.

An interesting tidbit: We didn’t know it at first, but Casey originated from the same breeder in Missouri where our young Natsu was born. And, in fact, they have the same parents so are full sister.! They haven’t met yet, at the Center, but we see an amazing family resemblance!