Minds at Work

One of the most remarkable things about getting to know the orangutans and chimpanzees at the Center for Great Apes is discovering how differently each of them approaches a challenge.

Some dive right in. Others take their time. Some learn through trial and error, while others quietly observe before making their move. This week, we're introducing two residents whose thoughtful approach to problem solving reminds us just how remarkable great apes truly are.

Chimpanzee Mystery may be the lowest-ranking member of his group, but he's learned that patience can be an advantage. Rather than competing for a new enrichment item, he'll often wait for his turn, watching carefully before stepping in. More than once, that strategy has paid off. When caregivers introduced coconut husks, Mystery was the first to discover how to puncture one and enjoy the coconut milk inside—a solution the rest of his group soon copied. Even today, he continues to find clever ways to enjoy enrichment that no one else in his group has quite mastered.

Orangutan Bailey approaches challenges with a different kind of ingenuity. She's always thinking ahead, collecting useful items and keeping them close by for when inspiration strikes.

Bailey is especially skilled at making and using tools, carefully crafting paper into fishing tools to retrieve treats that would otherwise be out of reach. Puzzle feeders, hay bags, and other complex enrichment keep both her hands and her mind busy, and she seems to relish every opportunity to figure something out.

Watching residents like Mystery and Bailey reminds us that intelligence comes in many forms. Sometimes it's quiet observation. Sometimes it's preparation. Sometimes it's persistence. Every orangutan and chimpanzee brings their own way of understanding and interacting with the world around them.

As we head into the final full week of Adopt-a-Palooza, there's still time to help us reach our goal of welcoming 150 new adoptive parents by the end of July. Every new symbolic adoption provides vital support for individualized care, nutritious meals, enriching habitats, expert veterinary care, and everything needed to give each resident a lifetime of sanctuary.

While many of our featured residents have already welcomed new adoptive parents this month, Angel, Billy, Crystal, Jeeter, Keagan, Kenzy, Sha Sha, and Stryker are still waiting to welcome their first new adoptive parent from this year's Adopt-a-Palooza. If you've been thinking about symbolically adopting, there's never been a better time to make a meaningful connection that will last all year.

Be sure to visit our Adopt-a-Palooza webpage to follow our progress, see how many new adoptive parents each of our 31 featured residents has welcomed, and help us finish the month strong.



With just one week remaining after this, there's still time to make a connection that will last all year.

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Deb G

Deb was inspired to volunteer by her lifelong fascination with primatology and the opportunity to turn that passion into meaningful action. What she enjoys most is the variety of ways she can make a positive difference. Whether helping with a large project or lending a hand with everyday tasks, she says even the smallest acts bring a deep sense of purpose and connection.

Among Deb's favorite memories is the day chimpanzee Mowgli became especially interested in her hair, prompting her to put it up in a bun while observing him. It's small, lighthearted moments like these that have made her volunteer experience especially memorable. Deb also treasures the strong sense of community she has found among the ape care staff and her fellow volunteers.

When she's not at the sanctuary, Deb enjoys hiking, biking, gardening, playing both the soprano and alto saxophone, skiing, mentoring, and reading.

Make a Difference with Roots and Shoots

Want to be part of something that makes a real impact? The Center for Great Apes Roots & Shoots Chapter welcomes people of all ages who are passionate about helping animals, supporting their community, and caring for the environment. As part of the worldwide program created by Jane Goodall, our chapter offers fun, hands-on opportunities to turn compassion into action. Whether you're joining on your own, with your family, or with a group of friends, there's a place for you as we work together to make our community a little better.



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

Thank you for supporting the Center for Great Apes!