Archie, Jam, and the Language of Long Calls

One of the most fascinating things about male orangutans is the way they communicate through their long calls. In the wild, mature adult males live solitary lives, and these booming calls serve an important purpose: letting other males know who is in the area and discouraging rivals from coming too close.

At the Center, Archie and Jam, two of our resident males, live in habitats directly across from each other. They can certainly see one another, but more importantly, they can hear each other. And lately, Archie has begun to practice his long calls, giving Jam a clear signal that he is growing into adulthood.

Every orangutan’s long call is unique. Experienced males like Jam have deep, powerful calls that can carry for miles in the wild. Archie, who is still learning, has a distinct and somewhat tentative call... less polished, but no less important. As male orangutans mature, their calls naturally change: they become louder, more resonant, and able to travel farther. These differences not only identify the caller but also convey his maturity and status.

For our staff and volunteers, it’s a remarkable privilege to witness this natural behavior. Listening to Archie develop his own voice while Jam answers back across the way is a reminder that, even in sanctuary care, orangutans carry with them the instincts and wild echoes of their species.

Get Ready for Giving Day for Apes 2025 - October 7, 2025

On October 7th, we’ll join sanctuaries worldwide for Giving Day for Apes, our biggest online fundraiser of the year. Every gift helps provide fresh produce, enrichment, veterinary care, and safe habitats for the orangutans and chimpanzees at the Center for Great Apes.

Why It’s So Important

This is more than just a day of giving; it’s a chance to unlock bonus cash prizes and challenges that make your gift go even further. And this year, we’re thrilled to share that some exciting donation matches will be available… stay tuned for details!

How You Can Help

• Donate: Early giving is open now, but the most impactful time to give is on October 7th, especially during Power Hours (1–2 PM & 6–7 PM EST) when we can compete for extra prize money.
• Fundraise: Create your own fundraising page with our easy template, just personalize and share with friends and family to multiply your impact.

Together, we can climb the leaderboards and make this our biggest Giving Day yet! Follow our emails and social channels for updates, prize announcements, and more ways to help.

Ape-ology: In the Field

Only a handful of tickets remain!

This October, step inside the world of orangutans and chimpanzees as you witness how they actively take part in their own healthcare.

Through positive-reinforcement training, our caregivers gently guide the apes to voluntarily participate in wellness checks while building trust and reducing stress along the way.

From opening their mouths for dental checks to calmly presenting an arm for a mock injection, you’ll see how cooperation and compassion form the foundation of true partnership in care.

This is your chance to:

• Watch training sessions with both chimpanzees and orangutans
• Hear directly from caregivers about their techniques
• Experience the bonds that make lifelong sanctuary possible

Reserve your spot today—before the last tickets are gone!

Program Details

Date: Saturday, October 11th

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Tickets: $60 per person

Minimum age to attend: 15 years

Shop with Purpose! Every purchase from our online gift shop helps provide lifelong care, food, and enrichment for the orangutans and chimpanzees at the Center for Great Apes. From unique ape-inspired gifts to everyday treasures, your shopping makes a difference.

Employment Opportunities

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

• Volunteer Coordinator
• Great Ape Caregiver

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!