Kiki's Kind of Fun

Kiki’s Kind of Fun: A Perfect Puzzle, One Stack at a Time

There’s something especially delightful about watching orangutan Kiki enjoy a new toy, particularly one that seems made just for her.

Recently, one of her caregivers spotted a simple wooden stacking toy at Aldi and immediately thought of Kiki. Known for her neat and organized nature, Kiki tends to keep her area tidy and approaches everything she does with quiet focus. It didn’t take long to see that this thoughtful find was a perfect match.

Kiki has always shown a love for puzzles and books, often spending time carefully exploring objects that challenge her mind. With her new stacking toy, she quickly got to work, studying each piece and stacking and restacking with patience and precision. She remained engaged for quite some time, clearly enjoying the process as much as the outcome.

In true Kiki fashion, she even attempted to place all the pieces neatly back into the box... only to take them out again and start over. For her, the joy is not just in solving the puzzle, but in the entire experience.

Moments like these are a wonderful reminder of just how important enrichment is for the apes in our care. Activities that engage cognitive skills and dexterity help keep their minds active and their days meaningful. For highly intelligent individuals like Kiki, these opportunities to explore, problem-solve, and interact with their environment are essential to their overall well-being.

Be sure to watch the video of Kiki in action; you’ll see firsthand just how focused, curious, and endearing she is as she enjoys her newest treasure.

Spring Member Day Is Almost Here!

We are just one week away from one of our most anticipated days of the season, and there is still time to be part of it.

Members are invited to attend this special afternoon at no cost, enjoying a peaceful stroll through the sanctuary while spending time observing the orangutans and chimpanzees in their homes. If your membership has lapsed, or if you have been thinking about joining, now is the perfect time to renew or become a member and take part in the day’s festivities.

Guests are also warmly welcome to attend for $50 per adult and $25 per youth, with each ticket directly supporting the daily care, nourishment, and enrichment of the orangutans and chimpanzees who call the sanctuary home.

The day will be filled with meaningful moments and a few special touches. Our Founding Director, Patti Ragan, will share reflections on the sanctuary’s progress and future plans as well as introduce guests to some of the newest individuals in our care. Throughout the afternoon, guests can browse unique items in our gift shop, view and bid on silent auction treasures, try their luck with raffle prizes, and purchase original artwork by our talented ape residents.

Come early, and make a day of it. Gates will open at 11:30 a.m. for shopping and lunch, with the event running from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. We are pleased to welcome the Gizzys of Nutley Pizza truck and the Feasts of Nutley hot dog truck, offering delicious bites to enjoy before and during the event.

Spring Member Day is always a memorable gathering filled with connection, discovery, and the simple joy of being near these extraordinary apes. We look forward to welcoming you.

Spring Member Day Registration

Two Special Events to Celebrate at the Sanctuary

May 9, 2026

Muffins and Ape Moms

Celebrate Mother’s Day in a meaningful way at the sanctuary with Muffins and Ape Moms, a special morning honoring the wonderful women in your life and the remarkable ape mothers who call the Center for Great Apes home.

Guests will enjoy light breakfast pastries and beverages while taking part in a guided experience similar to our popular Afternoon with the Apes tour. Along the way, you’ll learn about several of our ape moms and the journeys that brought them to sanctuary.

Founding Director Patti Ragan will also share stories about the sanctuary’s history and the powerful bonds between ape mothers and their families.

Space is limited, so we encourage you to register early and join us for this memorable morning.

June 20, 2026

Drinks and Ape Dads

Celebrate the fathers and father figures in your life with a special visit to the sanctuary at Drinks and Ape Dads.

Guests will enjoy refreshing lemonade, iced tea, and light refreshments while taking part in a guided experience similar to our popular Afternoon with the Apes tour. Along the way, you’ll learn about several of the remarkable ape dads and dominant males who call the sanctuary home.

Founding Director Patti Ragan will also share stories about the sanctuary’s history and the unique roles these individuals play within their families.

Space is limited, so we encourage you to register early and join us for this memorable visit.

Employment Opportunities

We are seeking passionate individuals who share our commitment to the well-being of these remarkable great apes. We are currently seeking:

Caregiver
Caregiver Assistant
Welder

If you possess the skills and experience we are looking for (or know someone who does), we encourage you to apply today! You can visit our employment page on the website for more details on these positions and the application process.

March 28, 2026 - Spring Member Day

April 11, 2026 - Ape-ology: In the Field (Nutrition)

April 23, 2026 - Afternoon with the Apes

May 9, 2026 - Muffins and Ape Moms

May 15, 2026 - Afternoon with the Apes

June 20, 2026 - Drinks and Ape Dads

Other Ways To Help

Thank you for supporting the Center for Great Apes!