Meet Oopsie: Matriarch of Her Chimpanzee Family | | |
This year, chimpanzee Oopsie is estimated to be 52 years old, making her the oldest female chimpanzee at the Center for Great Apes. March also marks a special milestone, 21 years since her arrival at the sanctuary.
Oopsie came to the Center for Great Apes in March 2005 alongside her daughters, Boma and Jessie, beginning a new chapter after decades spent first as a private pet, then in the entertainment industry as a TV chimp, and eventually as a breeder. Like many chimpanzees who arrive at the sanctuary, Oopsie did not have the opportunity to raise her infants. One of Oopsie's babies, Grub, was sent to a tourist attraction at 12 weeks old and eventually became the first chimpanzee to be cared for at the Center for Great Apes.
At the sanctuary, however, Oopsie’s story has come full circle in the most meaningful way... through family.
When Jessie arrived carrying her newborn son, Stryker, Oopsie showed remarkable patience and gentleness with her tiny grandson. Later, when Jessie’s 2-year-old daughter, Kodua, joined the group, something even more special happened. Oopsie quickly embraced the role of grandmother, bringing Kodua into her nest each night and watching over her closely. After so many years, Oopsie finally had the opportunity to help raise two babies within her own family.
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Today, Oopsie serves as the matriarch of her group, sharing her days with her grandchildren Stryker and Kodua, her daughter Boma, and her longtime companion Bubbles. She spends much of her time grooming, socializing, and helping maintain the calm balance of her family.
Though gentle and easygoing, Oopsie still has plenty of personality. With her expressive face and knowing eyes, she’s never shy about letting her caregivers know exactly what she wants, especially when it comes to a favorite snack or a refreshing drink.
After a lifetime that began in the spotlight, Oopsie now enjoys something far more meaningful: the comfort of family, the peace of sanctuary life, and the chance to simply be a chimpanzee.
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A Musical Afternoon of Enrichment | |
Recently, the sanctuary was filled with the joyful sounds of music when the Ukulele Orchestra of Wauchula from the SKP Resort visited to provide a special enrichment experience for the apes. The lighthearted melodies carried through the habitats and quickly captured the attention of both chimpanzees and orangutans.
Enrichment plays an important role in the lives of the apes, engaging their senses and providing new experiences that stimulate their minds and curiosity. Music offers a wonderful way to reach many of those senses at once.
The orangutans seemed especially thoughtful listeners, sitting quietly and watching the musicians while slowly moving closer to the group as the songs continued. The chimpanzees, on the other hand, showed their enthusiasm in true chimp fashion—bobbing their heads, swinging along to the rhythm, and even joining in with their own pant-hoot “singing.”
It was a lively and enriching afternoon for all involved... apes and humans alike. Our heartfelt thanks to the Ukulele Orchestra of Wauchula for sharing their time and talents and bringing such wonderful entertainment to the sanctuary.
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Marcia D. (pronounced Mar-see-ah) has been volunteering at the Center for Great Apes for the past five months, bringing with her a wonderful background as a former zookeeper, animal trainer, and swim school instructor. Her lifelong love for animals and desire to work closely with them led her to join the sanctuary as an ape care volunteer.
One of Marcia’s most memorable experiences has been enriching the apes by playing music for them on her flute—a creative and gentle way to connect and share something special with them. While she cares deeply for all of the residents, orangutan Harry has captured a particularly special place in her heart.
Outside of the sanctuary, Marcia is an active public speaker who advocates for wildlife, especially orcas and other marine species. She describes herself as compassionate, witty, and courageous, all qualities that shine through in the care and enthusiasm she brings to her volunteer work.
| Spring Member Day Registration is Now Open! | |
Registration for our upcoming Spring Member Day at the Center for Great Apes is open!
This special day is one of the few times each year when supporters are invited to stroll the sanctuary paths, enjoy the property's peaceful beauty, and spend unhurried time observing the orangutans and chimpanzees who call the sanctuary home. It’s a meaningful afternoon filled with stories, connection, and the quiet moments that make the sanctuary such a special place.
Spring Member Day is also a wonderful opportunity for those curious about the sanctuary to experience it firsthand. Members attend free of charge, and guests are welcome to attend for $50 per person ($25 for youth). If you have been thinking about becoming a member, this is a perfect time to take part in the day and learn more about the sanctuary.
Space is limited, and the event tends to fill quickly, so we encourage everyone to register early.
We look forward to welcoming familiar faces and new friends alike for a beautiful spring afternoon with the apes.
| 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.
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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.
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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
- Volunteer Coordinator
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.
| | Thank you for supporting the Center for Great Apes! | | | | |
