A pair of chimps rescued from a roadside zoo were seen sharing a loving embrace as they set foot in a brand-new sanctuary.<br /><br />Four chimpanzees once kept at a roadside zoo operated by a former public official convicted of fraud were brought to a sanctuary in Florida.<br /><br />The Ohio Department of Agriculture granted custody to the Save the Chimps sanctuary, and April, Anna, Cash, and Lucy made the journey to Fort Pierce, Florida. <br /><br />They had previously been kept at a small roadside zoo called the Union Ridge Wildlife Center.<br /><br />Footage shows the four chimps joyously coming together with hugs and grooming sessions in the quarantine area. <br /><br />They will remain in quarantine for two months before integrating into one of the sanctuary’s 12 chimp islands.<br /><br />The “very sweet” chimps range in age from 13 to 26, and are adjusting well to their new surroundings, the sanctuary said.<br /><br />Save the Chimps’ Director of Chimpanzee Behavior and Care, Dr. Andrew Halloran said: “These are extremely intelligent chimpanzees who deserve the chance to explore a larger world.<br /><br />“We look forward to seeing them thrive on a vast island habitat with 15–20 new lifelong companions, with the freedom to choose where they want to be and who they want to be with.”
