New Outdoor Habitat for Our Orangutans

We’re excited to share an inside look at the newest addition to the sanctuary, a brand-new outdoor habitat designed specifically for our orangutan residents. It’s not every day that we have the opportunity to build and open a new space, and this one includes several first-ever features that offer our residents even more opportunities to explore, forage, and engage in natural behaviors.

One unique element of this new habitat is the inclusion of two Live Oak trees. While our habitats already offer a variety of climbing structures, platforms, and enrichment features, these existing trees were intentionally incorporated to give the orangutans something new to investigate. On her first day in the habitat, Kiki immediately took advantage of this addition, engaging in a bit of “self-browsing” as she explored the branches and even took a few on the go.

The habitat also includes two wooden suspension bridges—flexible, balance-testing footbridges that are unlike anything in our other habitats. During his first crossing, Pongo paused midway and gave the bridge a few test hops, assessing its stability These bridges encourage slow, thoughtful navigation and provide a new type of physical challenge for our residents.

Before the orangutans were invited in, our caregivers, who spent months helping plan and outfit the habitat, had the rare chance to explore it themselves. They tested the bridges, climbed through the space, and even sat inside the new in-ground pool (before it was filled). Although orangutans (and chimpanzees) cannot swim, many enjoy sitting in or splashing through shallow water especially during the hot summers. For Pongo’s first introduction, caregivers filled the pool with hay instead of water and hid scatter treats throughout, encouraging careful investigation of this brand-new feature.

Opening a new habitat is a meaningful milestone for the sanctuary. It represents not only months of planning and hands-on work by our dedicated staff, but also the ongoing support of donors and friends who make it possible for us to expand, adapt, and continually improve the lives of the great apes in our care.

Thank you for helping us grow. Your support ensures we can continue to offer safe, dynamic environments that meet our residents' needs today and for many years to come.

This Holiday Season, Give Something Truly Meaningful

When the holidays arrive, many of us wonder what to give the people who “don’t need more things.” This year, share something that inspires, educates, and makes a difference—a gift that supports the orangutans and chimpanzees at the Center for Great Apes

Gift a Membership

A Center for Great Apes membership is a thoughtful gift that lasts all year long.

Your gift recipient will enjoy:

• Admission to our Annual Spring Member Day in March 2026
• Admission to our Holiday Member Day in December 2026
• Updates and stories about the incredible apes they’re helping support

Membership Levels:

• Individual – $75

• Couple – $125

• Family (of 4) – $150

• Great Ape Hero – $350 (includes a private tour for up to 4 people)

Or… Gift an Educational Event

All of our upcoming events offer meaningful, behind-the-scenes learning opportunities—perfect for animal lovers, ape enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys discovering something new. These educational experiences provide guests with insights into great ape behavior, care, enrichment, and sanctuary life.

Upcoming Events:

• January 24th – Ape-ology: In the Field (Enrichment)

• January 28th – Afternoon with the Apes

• February 11th – Afternoon with the Apes

• February 21st – Ape-ology: In the Field (Painting)

• February 27th – Afternoon with the Apes

If you’re looking for a holiday gift that brings joy and helps provide lifelong care to rescued great apes, we invite you to explore our events and membership options below:

Our Holiday Open House Surprise… and a Second Chance!

For the first time ever, we completely sold out of our Event Shirt during Saturday’s Holiday Open House! Thank you to everyone who picked up a “Noelle” tee! We’re thrilled that you loved this year’s design as much as we did.

Because so many guests asked if there was a way to order one, we reached out to our partners at FLOAT… and they’ve relaunched the campaign just for you!

You can now order the “Noelle” design in a variety of colors and styles. But don’t wait—this special relaunch is only available until Monday, December 22nd. Orders placed during this campaign will not arrive before Christmas, but they’re perfect for gifting or treating yourself.

And the best part? $8 from every item sold comes directly back to the Center for Great Apes to support the lifelong care of our orangutan and chimpanzee residents.

FLOAT has also brought back a few of our favorite designs from earlier this year in their "Holiday Sale"—like Cahaya’s shirt and our “United in Care” orangutan and chimpanzee tee—in limited colors. If you missed them the first time, this is your chance to grab one before they’re gone again!

Noelle Design: https://float.org/collections/center-for-great-apes

Other Designs: https://float.org/collections/floatholidaysale

Thank you for showing so much love for our designs and for supporting the sanctuary with every purchase.

Employment Opportunities

We are seeking passionate individuals who share our commitment to the well-being of these remarkable great apes. We are currently seeking:

• Donor Relations/Development Assistant
• Caregiver
• 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.

Other Ways To Help

Thank you for supporting the Center for Great Apes!