Primate Pals

Community partnership

HEVA Lab & Primate Pals

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 · Est. born 1974 (est. age ~52)

♥ Adopted January 2026

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 1971–2025

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

Siamang gibbon · Age 54

♥ Adopted January 2025  •  Passed April 18, 2025

The HEVA Lab adopted Jenny, a Siamang gibbon, in January 2025. Sadly, Jenny passed away just a few months later 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 →