David was brought to the laboratory in Liberia in 1979 by a private owner who could no longer care for him. Like many of his older chimpanzee companions, David spent his early years on a chain before being moved to a cage where he spent decades being exploited for research. David’s caretakers say he has always been a gentle chimp with a peaceful nature. Unfortunately, because of overcrowding in the lab and David’s submissive personality, he was frequently attacked by his cagemates. Also, during his time in research, he suffered a foot injury that repeatedly became infected.

 

His foot finally began to get better once David was retired to the islands. Today, his foot is completely healed but unfortunately the injury caused some permanent damage. This handsome guy still gets around though! And, in true chimp fashion, he loves bananas! He lives peacefully on Island 2 with Jiminy Cricket, Tipsy, Mae, Root Beer, Fanta, Coke-O, Pasiway, Eastern and Rose.