Meet Orangutan BamBam: A Dedicated Builder, Forager, and Citrus Enthusiast | | |
BamBam is one of our most dedicated builders, foragers, and citrus enthusiasts.
BamBam is what you might call a master of comfort. Whether it’s crafting a perfectly fluffed pine needle nest or building an elaborate “fort” with ape furniture, toys, hay, and pine needles, he takes his nest-making seriously. His signature move? Wrapping a ball of pine needles in a sheet to create the perfect pillow before settling in for a nap.
But life isn’t all lounging for BamBam. He’s also an expert forager, spending time in his outdoor habitat searching for hidden nuts, cereal, and dry pasta treats with his companion, Tango. And when Florida’s citrus trees start to fruit?
BamBam knows exactly when they’re ripe, and he’ll happily lead his caregivers to them to politely request a harvest. (Though sometimes he tries to test his luck a few days early… just in case.)
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BamBam enjoys exploring the aerial trailways, investigating new enrichment, and using everything from honeycomb feeders to plastic bats for foraging and play.
By symbolically adopting BamBam during Adopt-a-Palooza, you’re supporting the daily care, enrichment, and peaceful sanctuary life that he and his friends depend on.
This month only, new adoptive parents receive a limited-edition ape-painted postcard, plus the option for a virtual visit ($300) or private tour ($400).
Help us show BamBam that he (with his nest-building skills) doesn’t go unnoticed.
| | Meet Sha Sha: A Chimp with Plenty of Personality and Opinions | | |
Sha Sha, is a young chimpanzee with plenty of personality… and no shortage of opinions.
Sha Sha’s name comes from the African song “Shauri ya Mungu”, which translates to “It is because of God.” And if you ask her caregivers, there’s no doubt, Sha Sha was born with a bold spirit and a gift for making herself heard.
Though she’s the youngest in her group, she usually gets her way... whether it’s the best napping spot, the choicest greens, or extra grooming time with her companions Maude and Sabina.
Sha Sha loves the simple things: crisp greens like romaine and bok choy (which she’ll eat before any fruit), frozen ice treats, bubble baths, and especially her bandanas. In fact, if Sha Sha’s feeling a little displeased with her caregivers—or another chimp—she’s been known to wave her bandana in the air like a tiny protest flag.
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She spends much of her day making “mudpies” with her cups, mixing in twigs, pine needles, and rocks. But by 5:00 PM sharp, you’ll find her tucked into bed long before the rest of the group calls it a night.
By symbolically adopting Sha Sha during Adopt-a-Palooza, you help support her care, enrichment, and the peaceful, safe life she’s building here.
This month only, new adoptive parents receive a limited-edition ape-painted postcard, plus the option for a virtual visit ($300) or private tour ($400).
Help us show Sha Sha that her opinions — and her place in this sanctuary — matter.
| | 31 Days. 31 Overlooked Faces. One Sanctuary Full of Love. | | |
The Center for Great Apes' beloved summer tradition, Adopt-a-Palooza, is back for its third year, celebrating 31 often-overlooked orangutans and chimpanzees throughout July.
These special residents may not always be in the spotlight. Some are naturally shy, less social, or tend to avoid the camera, while others simply aren’t as visible during member tours. But each one holds a unique and cherished place at the sanctuary—and this month, they’ll each get their moment to shine.
Supporters can symbolically adopt one of the featured apes and receive a limited-edition, ape-painted postcard. Those giving at higher levels can also schedule a virtual visit ($300) or private tour ($400) as part of their adoption package.
Follow along on Facebook and Instagram to meet each day’s featured ape, and help ensure that no one is left in the shadows.
| | Get Hands On With Enrichment | | |
Date: Friday, July 25, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Cost: $35 donation
Ages: 12 and up
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Join us for a fun and rewarding intermediate-level workshop where you’ll create durable, reusable honeycomb-style PVC feeders for our great apes.
These enrichment tools encourage natural foraging behaviors and are easy for caregivers to clean and refill, making a big difference in daily ape care!
- No experience necessary! We’ll guide you every step of the way.
- Includes: 1.5 hours of hands-on enrichment building + a group educational tour of the sanctuary.
A few spaces remain! Sign up today!
| | Join Us for International Orangutan Day | | |
Join us as we celebrate these incredible, intelligent, red-haired great apes at our International Orangutan Day Event on August 19th! This special educational tour offers you the opportunity to visit our orangutan areas and meet many of the amazing orangutan residents who call the Center for Great Apes home.
Throughout the tour, you'll hear from our dedicated orangutan caregivers as they share stories, fun facts, and insight into the personalities and lives of these remarkable individuals. We’ll kick things off with an “Orangutan Talk” hosted by our Ape Care Supervisor of Orangutans, and you'll wrap up your visit with time to browse and shop for one-of-a-kind, limited orangutan art and CGA merchandise.
Raffle tickets will be available for purchase for a chance to win:
- An overnight stay in our CGA cabin
- An orangutan painting experience
- A unique orangutan art piece
Two tour slots are available on Tuesday, August 19th:
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Both times are limited to the first 20 people to register. $50 per person. All participants must be 15 or older and able to walk and stand for approximately one mile. If you are unable to do so, please contact us prior to registering to see if accommodations can be made.
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Did you receive a copy of our PrimeApes print newsletter in the mail? If not, please request a copy by emailing DonorRelations@CenterforGreatApes.org
or view a copy on our website here.
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We are seeking passionate individuals who share our commitment to the well-being of these remarkable great apes. We are currently seeking:
If you have the skills and experience we are seeking (or know somebody), we encourage you to apply today! Please 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! | | | | |
