Biographies—Hazel

Hazel is a female chimpanzee in her late thirties or early forties. She is the oldest and largest of the PRC chimpanzees. She was most likely wild caught, as this was the way captive chimpanzees were acquired in the 1960’s and early 70’s. Hazel may even have faint memories of an African rainforest or her wild relatives. Her earliest years and her exact age are a mystery. According to a former owner, Hazel had originally been acquired as a circus chimp. Being incredibly lazy by nature, she actually earned the nickname “Lump Lump” from the circus trainers because she just lay around as, well, a big lump. She could not be made to work, the circus had no use for her, and so she was put up for sale. Reportedly, the young Hazel was housed in a small box stacked atop the cage of a tiger! As you might imagine, being perched above a ferocious predator is definitely not the most relaxing environment for a young chimpanzee!

Hazel Copyright © 2003 Alan Li

Hazel’s buyer moved her to Ohio, and then to Georgia. Raised as a human child for a time, Hazel’s laziness remained intact. She was generally docile and easy to please as long as she was well fed. Once Hazel and her four colleagues—Donald, Vicky, Debbie and Zulu—were moved from the owner’s house to their concrete prison, Hazel used her large size to commandeer a larger portion of the food. She became very obese, while cage mates Vicky and Debbie nearly starved. Even at her large size, Hazel was not well nourished, as her diet contained large quantities of items with little nutritional value. Eventually Hazel developed diabetes, which was only diagnosed once she started receiving medical care at the PRC.

For all her laziness and gluttony, Miss Hazel played a major role in facilitating the introduction of the senior chimpanzees to their new housemates—seven young research chimps—at the PRC. The old, round, gray gal immediately cuddled and doted upon the youngsters, especially tiny Cory. Once the other adults from Dahlonega witnessed Hazel’s warmth, they were no longer as frightened of these unruly juveniles and the introductions occurred without incident. The two groups have lived together in one troop ever since.

Hazel is still obese and being treated for diabetes daily. Her love of healthy fruits and veggies helps maintain her health, as does the larger new outdoor enclosure that allows her more room to roam and exercise. However, her medical bills are still substantial and we are always grateful for any financial assistance for our dear Hazel.