| My name is Thoto |  |
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| Birthday: January 1, 1966 | |||
| Family: Group | |||
| Mother: Unknown | |||
| Father: Unknown | |||
| Siblings: |
Thoto's origins are unknown, but it is estimated that he was born in 1966. It is possible that he was captured in Africa in the 1960's, his mother shot and killed. He spent the next two decades as a circus performer. All of his teeth were removed in an effort to make the growing Thoto less dangerous to work with, but removing his teeth did nothing to stem his strength or his will. As an adult, he was too powerful to control, and Thoto was sent to the Coulston Foundation in Alamogordo, New Mexico in 1986, where he was used for breeding and biomedical research. He fathered one son, Chaka.
After over three decades of exploitation, Thoto was rescued by Save the Chimps in 2002. He was living alone in a building called "the Dungeon," but was introduced to other chimpanzees prior to relocating to his new island home in Florida. His journey was documented by PBS in its "Nature" documentary “Chimpanzees: An Unnatural History.” Although Thoto has developed a cardiac arrhythmia in his old age which requires close monitoring by Save the Chimps' veterinarians, he still has the energy of a young chimp. He is outgoing, playful, and friendly--a far cry from the lonely, isolated chimp who was trapped in a concrete and steel cage for so many years. Today, Thoto prefers to spend the vast majority of his time roaming free on his island home, often with a bundle of cozy blankets in hand. He enjoys the friendship of his companions Scarlett, Millie, and Shakey, and is spoiled by his adoring caregivers. He enjoys playing with shoes, and will often ask for the pair on our feet--but it might be to catch a glimpse of pedicured toenails! Thoto has won the hearts of everyone at Save the Chimps.
Due to Thoto's heart arrhythmia he is in need of special needs housing. Donate today and Save the Chimps can build new hope – and a new home – for our neediest chimps, simply by renovating one of the buildings at our 150-acre sanctuary! Here, chimps who have spent fearful years in cold, sterile labs will finally find the home of their dreams – cozy, peaceful, with access to sun, grass, toys, friends and the perpetual affection of our devoted staff.
