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Bentley’s journey to sanctuary was not an easy one. Born into the entertainment industry, Bentley spent his earliest years traveling the country alongside chimpanzees Kenzy and Hannah under the care of a trainer. But despite those difficult beginnings, Bentley’s story today is one of healing, patience, and growth.
Over time, with compassionate care and the chance to make choices for himself, Bentley has flourished at the sanctuary. He has formed close bonds with the other chimpanzees in his group, enjoys playful wrestling sessions and grooming time with friends, and can often be found exploring the aerial trailway system throughout the sanctuary grounds.
These days, Bentley’s biggest priorities are much simpler: spending time with friends, enjoying enrichment, and deciding exactly how he wants his meals served...because Bentley is notoriously picky.
He strongly prefers his primate biscuits dry (not wet) and takes his time eating every meal. Caregivers often hand-feed portions of his diet to ensure no one else steals his food, because Bentley is so gentle and easygoing that he will willingly give it up to another chimpanzee. Everything happens on Bentley’s schedule.
Though he spends time with every chimpanzee in his group, Bentley especially values his alone time and enjoys relaxing inside the nighthouse. Over the past year, caregivers have watched him mature tremendously. While he once challenged Kenzy for the dominant male role within the group, Bentley has settled comfortably into his place and now often acts as a calming, reassuring presence during disagreements between group members.
This summer’s Adopt-a-Palooza celebrates those unique personalities while helping provide lifelong care for the orangutans and chimpanzees who call the Center for Great Apes home. And if you symbolically adopt Bentley before July’s event, you’ll still receive one of our special ape-painted Adopt-a-Palooza postcards. Each one as unique and one-of-a-kind as the apes themselves.
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