Chuckie's Contraband

Chuckie recently decided to do a little “self-browsing” while near the sanctuary’s aerial trailways. Somehow, he managed to reach a large palm frond growing nearby and pulled it within reach.

Pongo noticed and made sure a caregiver knew about Chuckie’s unapproved find! He was quite insistent that someone come investigate the "contraband" palm frond.

Of course, Pongo's concern had a funny twist. A similar incident happened last week when Chuckie was found with another large palm frond. That time, however, it was Pongo who had acquired the frond and left it behind in the habitat. Apparently, browse is only considered contraband when someone else has it!

“Browse” refers to fresh branches, leaves, vines, and other safe plant materials that caregivers provide to the apes. It is an important form of enrichment because it encourages natural behaviors such as foraging, stripping leaves, chewing bark, carrying materials, and building nests. Browse also introduces new textures, scents, tastes, and challenges that help keep the apes interested and engaged.

While the apes may occasionally try to select their own landscaping, caregivers must carefully approve all browse and enrichment. Caregivers consider the type of plant, where it came from, how it will be used, and whether it could pose a safety concern. Appropriate enrichment is essential to keeping the apes’ minds active and their bodies strong and dexterous.

Our caregivers also routinely inspect the habitats and aerial trailways for branches, debris, damaged items, or anything else that could be unsafe. With intelligent and curious orangutans always looking for something new to investigate, these careful checks are an important part of daily sanctuary care.

Giving Day for Apes Early Giving Is Now Open!

You don’t have to wait until Giving Day for Apes on October 6th to make a difference. Early giving is officially underway!

When you make a gift during the early giving period, you will help unlock a matching donation provided by one of our generous members, making your support go even further for the orangutans and chimpanzees who call the Center for Great Apes home.

Your early gift could also help CGA win one of several Golden Tickets worth $250 each! Every donation gives us another opportunity to bring home extra funds for the apes.

And we are just getting started! We will have more matching-gift opportunities on Giving Day, including a special challenge from the CGA Board of Directors during the Most Dollars Raised Power Hour from 1–2 p.m. EDT. This will be the best time to make your largest gift of the day. If CGA raises the most during that hour, we will win an additional $2,500 prize!

Then, we hope you will return between 6–7 p.m. EDT and make a second gift during the Most Unique Donors Power Hour. The minimum donation is only $5, and every individual donor helps move us closer to another $2,500 prize.

Together, we can unlock matching gifts, win valuable prizes, and make this our biggest Giving Day for Apes yet. Make your early gift today and help us start strong!

Winter Haven Supporters: Dine Out and Give Back for the Apes!

Join the Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School for a Spirit Night Fundraiser supporting the Center for Great Apes!

Stop by the Winter Haven Chick-fil-A (143 Landings Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880) on Wednesday, September 23, between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. for dinner. If you order through the Chick-fil-A® App, be sure to enter the code “Lakes” at checkout.

Twenty percent of participating sales will be donated to the Center through Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School.

Enjoy a delicious meal while helping provide exceptional care for the apes!

Make a Difference with Roots and Shoots

Looking for a meaningful way to make a difference? Join the Roots & Shoots at the Center for Great Apes Chapter! Inspired by Dr. Jane Goodall’s global program, our chapter welcomes people of all ages who care about animals, people, and the environment.

Join at any time and participate whenever you can. Our next virtual meeting is Monday, October 5, at 6:30 p.m. We’d love to see you there!



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

Be sure to keep an eye on our Upcoming Events page and follow us on social media for announcements about programs, tours, and special opportunities to visit the sanctuary.

Other Ways To Help

Thank you for supporting the Center for Great Apes!