Celebrating Bubbles Day: A Tribute to a Remarkable Chimpanzee

On Saturday, April 12th, the Center for Great Apes held a small ceremony honoring one of its most iconic residents, Bubbles the chimpanzee, marking 20 years since his arrival at the sanctuary. The event, held on sanctuary grounds, featured a special moment as Wauchula Mayor Keith Nadaskay read aloud the official proclamation from the City of Wauchula, declaring April 12th as Bubbles Day.


While Bubbles may be the most famous resident at the Center, known around the world for his early years in the entertainment industry, he has spent the past two decades simply enjoying the life. Born in a biomedical lab and later raised in the limelight, appearing in music videos, TV shows, and even traveling internationally, Bubbles became well known in the media. But as he grew stronger, he could no longer remain in a human environment.


Since finding permanent sanctuary at the Center in 2005, Bubbles has thrived. Now 42 years old, he is a gentle and dignified presence, known for his calm demeanor and love of enrichment. He spends his days lounging in the Florida sun and socializing with his chimpanzee companions, far removed from the chaos of his early life.


The ceremony included the unveiling of a life-size statue of Bubbles, generously provided by We Are the World Michael Jackson Fan Club. The bronzed tribute now resides at the Center’s welcome area as a lasting symbol of a chimpmanzee's journey from entertainment to sanctuary care.


The City of Wauchula's designation of Bubbles Day recognizes the critical role sanctuaries play in providing safety, dignity, and lifetime care to great apes.

Eat Like an Orangutan: A Lesson in Mindful Munching

If you've ever watched one of our orangutans during mealtime, you might notice something fascinating—they don't just eat their food… they inspect it.



Take Louie, for example. Recently, he was given a refreshing ice treat on a warm afternoon, and before taking a single bite, he paused to examine it closely. With his big, expressive lips, he gently turned the treat, feeling its texture and checking every detail with careful curiosity.


Why the lips? Orangutans have prehensile lips, which means they can actually grasp and manipulate objects with them—similar to how we use our fingers. It’s not just adorable, it’s highly practical. Whether it's a slice of watermelon, a handful of greens, or a frozen fruit pop, orangutans often use their lips to explore their food, making sure it meets their standards before diving in.


This thoughtful, sensory approach to eating is just one of the many ways orangutans show how intelligent and intuitive they are. Every bite is an experience—an opportunity to touch, smell, and even taste test before committing to the full flavor.



So the next time you sit down for a snack or a meal, consider channeling your inner orangutan. Take a moment. Slow down. Really look at your food. Engage your senses and appreciate the moment. You might just discover a new kind of joy in eating… just like Louie does.

Thank You Volunteers!

Next week marks Volunteer Appreciation Week, and here at the Center for Great Apes, we are proud to take this time to celebrate the incredible individuals who give their time, energy, and hearts to support our sanctuary.


Our volunteers are truly the backbone of so many daily operations, from preparing enrichment for the apes to assisting with events, lending a hand with special projects, and helping our staff behind the scenes. Their compassion, commitment, and love for the orangutans and chimpanzees shine through in everything they do.


We could not do this important work without them, and we are grateful every single day for their generous spirit and helping hands. Whether they’ve been with us for years or have just joined our team, each volunteer plays a vital role in the care and well-being of the 66 apes who call our sanctuary home.


If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, we’d love to welcome you! We are always looking for more helping hands to join our community. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit our website at www.CenterforGreatApes.org/volunteer.


To all our current and past volunteers - thank you. You make a difference, and we appreciate you more than words can say.

April 22, 2025 - SOLD OUT! Afternoon with the Apes: Earth Day Edition

May 1 - 11, 2025 - Spring Online Auction - Details soon

May 10, 2025 - SOLD OUT! Ape-ology: In the Field - Family Ties

May 15, 2025 - Afternoon with the Apes

July 2025 - Adopt-a-Palooza

July 14, 2025 - World Chimpanzee Day

August 19, 2025 - International Orangutan Day

 
 

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Thank you for supporting the Center for Great Apes!

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