Orangutan Caring Week: 20 Years of Hope and Action

This week marks the 20th Anniversary of Orangutan Caring Week—a global celebration dedicated to raising awareness, inspiring compassion, and encouraging action for orangutans and their rainforest homes.

Here at the Center for Great Apes, we care for 27 orangutans, including 12 large adult males and 15 females, ranging in age from 5 to 54 years old. As the only accredited orangutan sanctuary in all of North, South, and Central America, we are honored to provide each of these incredible individuals with a lifetime of care, enrichment, and safe, natural spaces to explore and thrive.

This year’s theme, “Focusing on Hope and Positive Action,” reminds us that while hope gives us strength, it’s our actions that bring lasting change. Every day, our caregivers and volunteers demonstrate this commitment through compassionate care, creative enrichment, and the deep bonds they share with the orangutans who call the sanctuary home.

Throughout this special week, we’re celebrating our orangutan residents—like Sandra, Archie, BamBam, Popi, Cahaya, Radcliffe, and so many others—whose stories inspire us all.

While Orangutan Caring Week is recognized around the world, here at the Center for Great Apes, we believe every week is Orangutan Caring Week. Caring for orangutans isn’t just something we celebrate... it’s who we are.



Join us in honoring these amazing great apes and all those working to protect and care for them around the world.

Celebrate the Season with the Apes!

Our Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 6th, is just around the corner!

Invitations have already gone out to members, and registration is now open. This special afternoon is one of the rare opportunities to stroll the sanctuary paths, meet the remarkable orangutans and chimpanzees who live here, and see the Center at its festive best.

Enjoy watching our residents savor seasonal treats as their happy pant-hoots and long-calls echo through the sanctuary. Then, grab lunch from the food trucks, browse for one-of-a-kind gifts, bid on the silent auction, and take a chance on our raffle—all while listening to live music and soaking in the holiday spirit.

If you’re not already a member, we hope you’ll consider joining during the event so you can receive an invitation to our exclusive Spring Member Day in 2026!



Space is limited—reserve your tickets today and celebrate the holidays with the apes who make every day a gift.

2026 CGA Calendar Now Available!

Our 2026 Center for Great Apes calendar is here—13 months of colorful, heartwarming photos featuring our orangutan and chimpanzee residents!

Each month captures their unique personalities, and every purchase supports their lifelong care.



Calendars are $15 plus $5 shipping—order yours today and enjoy a year of smiles from our amazing apes!

Employment Opportunities

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

• Caregiver Assistant
• 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!