Involvement

Community partnership

HEVA Lab's local involvement

Since 2023, HEVA Lab members have supported the Primate Rescue Center in Nicholasville, Kentucky, by “adopting” a primate. The center provides sanctuary to primates rescued from the national and international primate trade, while also providing public education on the issues and dangers of the breeder/dealer cycle within the primate trade.

Donald

Donald, a chimpanzee adopted by HEVA Lab through the Primate Rescue Center

Chimpanzee · Age unknown (50s–60s)

♥ Adopted Autumn 2025

After Jenny's passing, the HEVA lab voted to adopt Donald the chimpanzee as the lab's second non-human primate representative. While the race for the next representative was close, lab members were most struck by his described demeanor as a "gentleman" and peace-loving despite being one of the dominant males.

Full biography
Read Donald’s full story on the Primate Rescue Center website →

Jenny 2023–2025

Jenny, a Siamang gibbon adopted by HEVA Lab through the Primate Rescue Center

Siamang gibbon · Age 54

♥ Adopted 2023  •  Passed April 18, 2025

The HEVA Lab adopted Jenny, a Siamang gibbon, in 2023. Sadly, Jenny passed away on the morning of April 18, 2025, at the age of 54.

Memoriam & biography
Read Jenny’s full story on the Primate Rescue Center website →