The operators of Chimp Haven said today they will fight a Texas judge's decision ordering six chimpanzees returned from Caddo Parish to a San Antonio animal sanctuary.

The chimpanzees were brought to the south Caddo Parish facility in November 2006 after the state of Texas seized Primarily

Primates in San Antonio, alleging inadequate living conditions for the animals there. Primarily Primates has since restructured its board and wants the chimpanzees returned.

Chimp Haven director Linda Brent said the Caddo Parish facility stepped forward to help the chimpanzees and doesn't want to given them up now. They proposed letting an impartial arbitrator decide where the chimps should live. Chimp Haven will appeal the Texas judge's ruling and ask for a new trial, she said.

"They are do so well physically and socially," Brent said. "It would surely be detrimental to them to be moved again after all they have endured."

Brent spoke at a news conference in which she showed before-and-after pictures of one of the chimpanzees that was brought to Chimp Haven. The picture indicated the animals was in markedly better condition.