Dr. Linda Brent

"Chimp Haven represents the epitome of my career goal to improve the lives of captive chimpanzees, especially those previously used in medical research. Hearing the chimpanzees laugh while they play, seeing them lounge under the shade of a tree and witnessing the tremendous improvement in health and social skills is evidence of the success of Chimp Haven's plan." Dr. Linda Brent is the President and Director of Chimp Haven. She is a behavioral primatologist with over 20 years of experience with chimpanzees. Prior to assuming her current position, Dr. Brent spent 16 years as the Director of Enrichment and Behavioral Management for over 6000 chimpanzees and monkeys at the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research. She also conducted behavioral research at the Gombe National Park in Tanzania on wild infant chimpanzee development for her dissertation project. Dr. Brent is an expert in captive chimpanzee management and behavioral primatology, with over 50 publications in scientific journals including editing the book "The Care and Management of Captive Chimpanzees". Dr. Brent received her Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from The Ohio State University, is a graduate of St. Mary’s University with a Master of Science degree in Psychology, and obtained her Ph.D. in Anthropology from The University of Texas. Her favority chimpanzee is Rita - "I've known Rita for 20 years, and I admire her resilience, stubborness and curiosity. I am so happy that she has finally been retired at Chimp Haven with her best friend Teresa."