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Baby chimp adjusts to new home in Sarasota

News Channel 8 photo by JIM HOCKETT

Four-month-old Eli, a chimpanzee, is being raised at Big Cat Habitat in Sarasota. His natural mother rejected him after birth.

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By JACKIE BARRON

jbarron@wfla.com

Published: June 17, 2009

SARASOTA - His name is Eli.

He is 4 months old and covered in hair.

When this wide-eyed wonder was born his natural mother didn't want anything to do with him. So his owners in California put out a call for help to the small group of experts across the country able to raise a chimpanzee from birth.

And Big Cat Habitat stepped up by adding Eli to its menagerie of rescues and animals in need.

But veteran trainer and sanctuary owner Kay Rosaire said unlike her lions, tigers and bears, Eli needs care around the clock.

Rosaire said Eli wears diapers, drinks several bottles of Infamil baby formula every day and eats vitamins to help his 8-pound body reach the 200 pounds he may weigh someday.

Rosaire said she welcomes any donations of baby goods, from toys to diapers, for Eli.

And Big Cat Habitat, 7101 Palmer Blvd., plans to hold a special chimpanzee baby shower for Eli at 6 p.m. Saturday. The program will include a tour of the sanctuary. Cost is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $6 for children. A free educational program on chimpanzees will follow at 7. Proceeds from the fundraiser go to care for the animals.

The event marks the last show for Big Cat Habitat until the weather cools down in the fall.

Reporter Jackie Barron can be reached at (813) 221-5708.

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