Donna Rae arrived at LEMSIP when she was 12 years old from the Animal Kingdom Talent Service. She apparently learned to play a guitar and ride a bicycle. Her kind nature got her a place in the breeding program but not forever. In her last five years at the lab, Ch-304 was involved in several studies on HIV. Following one intervention, the pain was so intense that it put her into a state of shock. During her years as a research chimp she would endure many days filled with pain from lymph node and bone marrow biopsies, sex skin wounds inflicted during knock-downs, or the constant irritation that must have followed the perpetual vaginal washes. Continually mutilating herself, Donna always looked as though she had given up all hope.

Date of birth: January 19 1966 - March 14 2005


Social Status: Respected and feared by some, often has problems with some because she is easily agitated.
Favorite Activities:
Favorite Foods: Loves crackers, oranges, potatoes, peaches, pears, carrots and celery. She also loves to drink hot tea, iced tea, juice, water and lemonade.

Donna Rae left us on March 14, 2005 at age 39.

Donna Rae was a great, wise and loving being. She had the most incredible and indestructible friendships. She had respect, loyalty and commitment from all of her chimpanzee friends. Although she rarely took the lead, she always supported the decisions made by those she cared about the most. She was there as back up, providing a voice of support in any argument that involved anyone she loved. She was always there to hug, comfort and reassure during the tough times.

Hugging was one of Donna Rae’s strongest assets. An amazing way to resolve any issue, she used the great and loving quality of the hug to conquer and control all situations. Once you met Donna Rae, it was easy to see why an embrace from her would be all you would need to feel protected and secure. She could so often warm the heart of the angriest folks, and everyone went to her for her love.

Donna Rae was strong willed, determined, kind, sensitive and deeply committed to her family. She was polite and courteous, always thinking about others before herself, making her one of the very best friends anyone could hope for in their life.

She was one of the most important members of the Fauna family. She was especially committed to Sue Ellen -- they spent years together in the lab. She was without a doubt a soul mate to Annie, and their relationship was beautiful to witness.

Donna Rae was loyal to Pepper, Pablo, Tommy and, even the rambunctious, Yoko. She had a close bond to Billy, even with all of his problems. She had a soft spot for Chance, Jethro and Rachel. And even though she spent a lot of time disciplining Binky and Petra, her death was difficult for both of them, as well as for everyone else.

In the moments after her death, all the girls surrounded her body. They lay near her grooming and cleaning her to be with her for the last time. It was a deeply moving experience to bear witness to – the beauty and love of the relationships she had. Her death left an emptiness in everyone and she is tremendously missed by her chimpanzee and human family.