Meet Radcliffe

Radcliffe celebrated his 48th birthday earlier this week, making him the oldest male orangutan at the Center for Great Apes. But if you know “Raddy,” you know that age has done very little to slow down his playful personality.

Radcliffe is our tallest orangutan, with hands measuring an impressive 14 inches long. He is a hybrid orangutan, with both Bornean and Sumatran ancestry. His appearance is also a little different from what you might expect from an adult male. He was castrated when he was young during his years in the circus and entertainment industry, so he never developed the large cheekpads typically associated with mature males.

After years spent in entertainment and then at a roadside attraction, Radcliffe eventually found his permanent home at the sanctuary over 20 years ago. Today, he has plenty of opportunities to choose how he'd like to spend his time, and he usually finds something to keep himself busy.

One favorite activity is digging. Give Raddy a habitat with grass, and there's a good chance some excavation will take place.

Radcliffe also has special relationships with some of his fellow orangutans. His very best friend is Chuckie, and he enjoys Pongo's company, too. Although Raddy lives on his own, he has opportunities for daily “howdy” visits with Chuckie and/or Pongo through the mesh. Sometimes Pongo isn't interested in coming over, and Raddy will call out to him, seemingly encouraging him to join the visit. It doesn't always work, but Raddy keeps trying!

Then there are the moments when Raddy is perfectly capable of making his own fun.

Like once, when a caregiver walked into the nighthouse and heard laughter coming from Radcliffe's bedroom. She turned the corner and discovered him repeatedly putting his head inside a large plastic tub.

That was it. No hidden treats. No complicated enrichment activity. Just Radcliffe, a plastic tub, and apparently a very good joke.



His caregiver may not have understood what was so funny, but Raddy certainly did, and sometimes, that's all that matters.

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Peggy C

A retired IT Specialist with the Defense Information Systems Agency at Hill Air Force Base, Peggy has volunteered at the Center for Great Apes for more than two years. A lifelong animal advocate, she was inspired by the exceptional care and enrichment she saw through the Center’s social media.

Peggy now volunteers twice a week in the Nutrition Center, helping with diets and enrichment. One of her favorite memories is seeing orangutan Hanna hurry across the habitat, climb over her sister Pumpkin’s shoulder, and greet Peggy with a broad, toothy grin.

Outside the Center, Peggy enjoys antiquing, crafting, and jigsaw puzzles. She describes herself as empathetic, compassionate, and kind—qualities reflected in her dedication to the apes.

Make a Difference with Roots and Shoots

Looking for a way to make a positive difference?

Join the Center for Great Apes Roots & Shoots Chapter! Open to all ages, our chapter brings together people who care about animals, people, and the environment through meaningful community projects inspired by Jane Goodall's global Roots & Shoots program.

Our next virtual meeting is next Monday, September 7th at 6:30 PM, and we'd love to have you join us. It's a great opportunity to learn more, meet fellow members, and discover how you can get involved.



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

During the summer months, the sanctuary will be taking a short seasonal break from tours and special events. Our educational tours and events will resume 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

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