Before Rachel was abandoned at LEMSIP she lived in Florida. Taking bubble baths and wearing frilly dresses, Rachel was someone’s pet. Then when she was not even 3 years old, her ‘nanny’ brought her to the lab. There Ch-514 was involved in 3 studies enduring 39 punch liver biopsies. Mostly she was treated for the wounds and abrasions to her wrists and necks that were self-inflicted during the many anxiety attacks she had. She also suffers from the ‘phantom hand’ syndrome. She has bitten all of her nails to the quick rubbing them until there is nothing left. This she does when she is calm. It is terrifying and heartbreaking to see her when she is not.

Rachel’s friendships with the other chimps are fragile, but she has had good times with Petra, Chance, Regis, Jethro and ones her own age. She is closest to Toby, and they spend time together grooming, playing and enjoying the outdoors. Toby is very protective of her and is attentive to her needs.

Undeniably, Rachel is the happiest in the summer when she can spend all day basking in the sun. She is always the first one out and the last one in. Rachel also loves to groom and be groomed. She in very interested in finger and toenails, of both the chimp and human variety.

Rachel is pretty easy to keep happy with the menu. She eats applesauce, hot tea, fruit smoothies, fruit salad, avocados ad and spaghetti (with a fork), oatmeal (with a spoon) and apples by the bushel. When Rachel wants something, she will toss things at you through her room’s porthole.

One of Rachel’s most treasured possessions is a tire that she drags everywhere. It<s sweet watching her try to navigate this rubber security blanket through the doorways! Most heart-warming is Rachel’s laugh, which is being heard more often as time goes on. It is a wonderful sound, and can almost make you forget the troubles Rachel has endured in her young life.

Adopt Rachel!