Biographies—Victoria

Victoria came to the PRC in 1998 along with Hazel, Donald, Zulu, and Debbie. These five individuals had lived for decades as “pets,” or more accurately captives, in a concrete bunker-like structure in the hills of rural Dahlonega, GA. As juveniles, Vicky and her companions moved about the property freely, being treated practically as human children. Vicky had pretty dresses, was taught to roller skate and even had portraits taken at Olan Mills (all activities which the PRC strongly opposes). Yet for all their similarity to humans, chimpanzees are wild animals—big, imposing, intelligent, wild animals. Eventually Vicky and her comrades became too big, too imposing and were locked away. This life change was apparently hardest on Vicky.

Victoria Copyright © 2005 Alan Li

Upon her arrival at the PRC, Vicky was a living skeleton. The least dominant of the five, she had received little food in her former home. Their diet had consisted primarily of highly processed junk food. Consequently, she received inadequate nutrition and was severely malnourished. She was little more than skin and bones, and her coat was sparse and gray. In addition, Vicky’s feet were severely deformed, making it difficult for her to climb around like a normal chimp.

Fortunately, it did not take long for Vicky to recover physically once she settled in at the PRC. She is now strong and healthy, and has nearly doubled her weight. She has formed strong relationships with most of the other chimps, and is protective and loyal to her closest friends, Hazel and Zulu. Vicky’s relationships with her human caretakers took more time to develop. After much patience, we have finally begun to see Vicky trust her caretakers and occasionally crave their attention, usually when they have a delicious treat in hand!

Vicki has a tendency to be a bit dramatic, and is easily upset when the boys play too rough or when another chimp gets a treat that she wants. Most of the time, Victoria likes to take it easy and is content to spend time with her companions. She enjoys building a soft bed to nap in for the day, and loves receiving paper or burlap bags from her caretakers to make it even more comfortable.