Chloe’s Got Attitude: Life with a Teen Chimp | | |
At 16 years old, Chloe the chimpanzee is the definition of teenage energy and attitude! Much like a human teen navigating friendships and finding her place in the world, Chloe brings a vibrant, sometimes spicy personality to her chimpanzee family at the Center
Like many 16-year-old humans, Chloe is in the prime of her adolescence. She’s curious, bold, and sometimes just a tad dramatic. She’s also deeply social and quick to test boundaries. Whether she’s engaging in play, initiating mischief, or occasionally challenging her elders, Chloe keeps everyone on their toes.
But beneath that sass is a highly intelligent and emotionally complex individual. Chloe enjoys enrichment puzzles, loves foraging for treats, and is often the first to figure out how to get the tastiest snack from a foraging device. She’s incredibly observant and quick to mimic behaviors, especially those that help her get what she wants.
Chimpanzees share about 98.7% of their DNA with humans, and watching Chloe is a reminder of just how alike we really are. Her teenage antics reflect many of the same developmental milestones seen in human adolescents: growing independence, social exploration, emotional highs and lows, and a deepening awareness of the world around her.
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Chloe has the space and support to grow into adulthood at her own pace. Her caregivers meet her with patience, respect, and just the right amount of structure, because, let’s be honest, even chimpanzee teens benefit from a little guidance now and then.
Whether she’s engaging in playful wrestling matches, vocalizing loudly to make her opinion known, or simply lounging in the aerial trailways watching the world go by, Chloe continues to charm, challenge, and captivate everyone around her.
And just like any teenager… she wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Our online auction, From the Heart of the Sanctuary, is running May 1 through May 11! This special event is your chance to bid on a wide variety of unique and heartfelt items — all to support the orangutans and chimpanzees who call the Center for Great Apes home.
From original paintings created by our resident apes to hand-crafted treasures and collectible memorabilia, every item tells a story. You’ll find one-of-a-kind works like “Melting from the Heat” by chimpanzee Bubbles, a signed Dawn of the Planet of the Apes action figure package personalized by actor Karin Konoval, and even a gorgeous framed mandala inspired by orangutan Mari — made from recycled materials by a CGA supporter.
There’s truly something for everyone, and each bid directly supports the daily care, enrichment, and veterinary needs of the apes at our sanctuary.
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Let your imagination soar with "Birds in Flight," a stunning 16"x20" original painting created by the gentle and artistic chimpanzee Noelle.
This one-of-a-kind piece includes a Certificate of Authenticity and a photo page of Noelle, giving you a personal connection to the sanctuary artist behind the work.
| | Show your love for the charming Murray with this exclusive hand-painted T-shirt (size XL) by renowned artist Phil Herman. Featuring a lively and colorful portrait of chimpanzee Murray, this wearable piece of art beautifully captures his sweet and playful nature. | | |
Inspire a love for wildlife and imagination with this Children’s Primate Adventure Bundle — perfect for your young animal lover!
- This playful package includes: Orangutan and Chimpanzee Plush –TOOBS Sets –
- "Orangutan Hats" Book – "Fur, Feather, Fin" Book – Both books are beautifully illustrated and engaging reads.
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International Supporters Welcome!
If you're bidding from outside the U.S., please know that additional shipping and customs fees will apply based on your country, but we absolutely encourage you to participate! Just reach out to us at the close of the auction to coordinate shipping arrangements.
Not a bidder? You can still make a difference.
If auction bidding isn’t your thing, you can still support the apes by making a direct donation. Every gift — no matter the size — helps us continue providing lifelong care for orangutans and chimpanzees living at the sanctuary.
| | Thank you for helping us celebrate the creativity, joy, and spirit of the sanctuary. Whether you’re placing a bid or simply spreading the word, you’re part of something special — and it all comes From the Heart of the Sanctuary. | | Enrichment Matters: Keeping Minds Engaged | | Enrichment isn’t just a fun activity—it’s an essential part of our daily care routine. Every day, our orangutans and chimpanzees are offered opportunities that stimulate their minds, encourage natural behaviors, and bring joy into their lives. | | | |
Many of our residents especially enjoy tactile and occupational enrichment, like puzzles (including Jam and Bailey in the video above). These activities challenge their curious and intelligent minds, keeping them active and engaged. However, for some apes who cannot have standard puzzle items due to safety concerns, we’ve found a creative and effective alternative: large, durable PVC pieces. These versatile items can be stacked, fit together like a puzzle, used to dig, or even carried around as portable storage for favorite treats and toys. Since much of the most beloved enrichment is destructible by nature, we are always in need of new PVC pieces to replace those that have been thoroughly enjoyed (and dismantled!).
If you’re looking for a simple way to help, consider a donation to our Enrichment Program or donating an item from our wish list. Your thoughtful gift will go directly toward enriching the daily lives of the apes in our care.
| | New this summer! For those who enjoy hands-on volunteering, we’re launching Enrichment Workshops where participants can help create enrichment items and see their handiwork in action. This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the daily lives of our apes while learning more about their individual needs and behaviors. Our first workshop will be held on June 6th—visit our website (or click the button below) for more information and to register! | | | |
Become a Day Sponsor and have the opportunity to help provide birthday/anniversary enrichment and special treats as well as
sponsoring the day's diet and care for your chosen ape.
Click below to see who still needs a Day Sponsor!
| | Other Ways To Help the Apes | | | | |
