Foraging Fun with Angel and Kenya

Chimpanzees Angel and Kenya recently reminded us how motivating enrichment can be. During a routine scatter enrichment, their caregiver offered a mix of healthy treats throughout their habitat. Scatter treats often include cereal, nuts, dried fruit, and favorite, air-popped popcorn.

Instead of foraging as usual, both Angel and Kenya quickly turned their attention to the caregiver. Each tried to outdo the other, competing for her attention and making it clear they wanted the popcorn for themselves. Their spirited back-and-forth highlighted how strongly the apes value this simple, healthy treat.

At the Center for Great Apes, scatter enrichments are used daily to encourage natural behaviors. By tossing small items like popcorn into the grass or along pathways, caregivers stimulate the apes’ instincts to search and forage. This activity not only provides variety in their diet but also promotes exercise, problem-solving, and overall well-being.

Popcorn may be light and unseasoned, but for Angel, Kenya, and many of the other chimpanzees (and orangutans), it is a source of enrichment that adds both flavor and fun to their day.

Giving Day for Apes 2025 - October 7, 2025

Giving Day for Apes, presented by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), is a 24-hour online fundraising event that supports sanctuaries across the globe—including ours here at the Center for Great Apes. It’s not only a worldwide campaign, but also our largest online fundraiser of the year.

Why It Matters

This special day gives us the opportunity to earn additional cash prizes based on donor participation, fundraising totals, and challenges throughout the day. That means your gift can go even further, directly benefiting the orangutans and chimpanzees who call the Center home.

How You Can Help

Every donation—no matter the size—provides fresh produce, enrichment, veterinary care, and safe habitats. And each gift increases our chances of winning bonus prizes.

You can also fundraise on our behalf! To start your own page to share with family and friends, visit our Giving Day for Apes page and click the Fundraise button. We’ve created a simple template for you, just personalize it with your name and message, then share your fundraiser link to invite others to give. It’s a wonderful way to multiply your impact.

Early giving is open now, but the most important time to give is on Giving Day for Apes—October 7th, especially during the Power Hours (1–2 PM EST and 6–7 PM EST) when we can compete for prize money.



Please continue to follow our emails and social channels for updates and ways you can help us climb the leaderboards. Together, we can make this our biggest Giving Day for Apes yet!

Ape-ology: In the Field

Only a handful of tickets remain!

Join us this October for Ape-ology: In the Field and discover how orangutans and chimpanzees play an active role in their own healthcare.



Through positive reinforcement training, our caregivers encourage apes to voluntarily participate in wellness checks—reducing stress and building trust.

From dental checks to mock injections, you’ll see how cooperation and compassion create a true partnership in care. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to observe training sessions, hear directly from caregivers, and witness 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

Help Us Keep Our Great Nonprofits Top-Rated Status!

For years, the Center for Great Apes has been honored as a Top-Rated Nonprofit by GreatNonprofits, thanks to you and the heartfelt reviews of over 107 supporters who believe in our mission of providing lifelong sanctuary care.

Now, we’re just 10 reviews away from maintaining that status for 2025!

If you’ve written a review in the past, you can share an updated one this year. And if you’ve never shared your story, now is the perfect time to let others know why the Center matters to you. Every review makes a difference in showing the world why our sanctuary is so important for orangutans and chimpanzees in need.

It’s simple, but powerful: by sharing your story, you help others understand our mission and encourage them to join you in supporting a safe and enriching home for nearly 70 great apes.

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!