Bo: Father, Grandfather, and Best Friend

This Father's Day weekend, we're celebrating a chimpanzee who has filled many roles throughout his life: father, grandfather, best friend, and one of the sanctuary's biggest personalities.

Tomorrow, Bo celebrates his 46th birthday, making this the perfect time to shine a spotlight on one of the chimpanzees who will be featured during this year's Adopt-a-Palooza.

Before arriving at the Center for Great Apes, Bo spent years in the entertainment industry, where he fathered several infants, including our sanctuary resident Brooks, as well as Tonka, who lives at Save the Chimps. In 2018, Bo arrived at the sanctuary alongside another aging chimpanzee named Joe, both from the Tiger King's compound in Oklahoma.

Although Bo and Joe had never lived together before arriving at the sanctuary, they quickly formed a close friendship. After years of living alone, both chimpanzees finally had the opportunity to enjoy companionship again, along with several of our sanctuary females, and they remained good friends until Joe's passing at age 52. Their bond was a special one, and Bo benefited greatly from having a trusted companion during his early years at the sanctuary.

His caregivers describe him as outgoing, animated, and endlessly entertaining. He has a unique high-pitched pant-hoot that can be heard throughout the area, and he rarely misses an opportunity to make himself the center of attention. Bo often catches people's attention by making funny faces, admiring himself in mirrors, and carefully grooming his hair to make sure everything is just right.

Food is another one of Bo's great passions.

In fact, asking for treats may be one of his favorite hobbies. He especially enjoys dried fruit, oatmeal, condiments, and rice cereal. When it comes to meals, Bo isn't picky—his favorite foods are pretty much all foods.

One of the most surprising discoveries after Bo arrived at the sanctuary involved his family tree. Caregivers learned that Bentley, another former entertainment chimpanzee who arrived earlier that same year, is actually Bo's grandson. Even more remarkable, Bentley is also the grandson of Joe, creating an unexpected family connection between the two longtime friends.

Next month, Bo will be one of the chimpanzees featured in Adopt-a-Palooza. By becoming Bo's symbolic adoptive parent, you'll help provide the lifelong care, nutritious meals, enrichment, veterinary support, and safe retirement he deserves while celebrating the incredible individual he is today.

As we celebrate Bo's birthday and Father's Day weekend, we hope you'll join us in honoring a chimpanzee who is not only a father and grandfather, but also one of the sanctuary's most unforgettable personalities.

New Design. Familiar Favorites,

One Limited-Time Apparel Campaign.

Some things never go out of style.

Over the years, we've heard from supporters asking if they could still get some of their favorite Center for Great Apes apparel designs from years past. Many of those shirts have become well-loved staples—worn on sanctuary visits, volunteer days, family outings, and countless everyday adventures.

So this summer, we're bringing them back.

For a limited time, four popular throwback designs originally released in 2018 and 2019 have returned, featuring beloved residents Bailey, Louie, Murray, and Natsu. Whether you're replacing a favorite that's seen better days or discovering these designs for the first time, this is a rare opportunity to add them to your collection.

At the same time, we're thrilled to introduce an entirely new design created in partnership with Bonfire.

Featuring orangutan Linus and chimpanzee Oopsie, the design celebrates two of the sanctuary's most recognizable residents while bringing both species together in a single piece of artwork. Linus' quiet, thoughtful presence and Oopsie's role as the matriarch of our chimpanzee family make them perfect ambassadors for the apes who call the sanctuary home.

All five designs are available in a variety of colors and styles, including:

• Unisex tees

• V-neck tees

• Hoodies

• Crewneck sweatshirts

• Tank tops

• Youth tees

Most importantly, every purchase helps support the daily care of the 71 orangutans and chimpanzees living at the Center for Great Apes.



The campaign runs through Monday, June 29th, so don't miss your chance to grab a new favorite or reconnect with an old one.

Make a Difference with Roots and Shoots

Looking for a way to make a difference? Join the Center for Great Apes Roots & Shoots Chapter, part of the global program founded by Dr. Jane Goodall that brings people together to help animals, people, and the environment through meaningful community projects. Our new chapter is growing, and we would love to have you join us as we work together to do good.



To learn more or get involved, email rootsandshoots@centerforgreatapes.org

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 Assistants

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.

As we head into the warmer summer months, the sanctuary will be taking a short seasonal break from tours and special events following our Drinks and Ape Dads Father’s Day program on June 20th. Our educational tours and events will resume again in the fall when cooler temperatures make visits more comfortable for both our guests and the apes. Be sure to keep an eye on our Upcoming Events page and follow us on social media for announcements about new programs, tours, and special opportunities later this year.

Other Ways To Help

Thank you for supporting the Center for Great Apes!