Small in Stature, Strong in Spirit: Meet Josh

Just like humans, chimpanzees come in all shapes and sizes.

When people visit the sanctuary, they are often surprised to learn how much variation there is among adult male chimpanzees. On average, males typically weigh between 90 and 150 pounds, but that range is only a starting point. Genetics, age, muscle tone, personality, and daily activity all influence a chimpanzee’s build. Some males are tall and long-limbed. Others are broad-shouldered and powerfully built. And some are simply more compact in stature. Each individual carries his own history and his own physical traits, just as we all do.

Meet Josh

Josh will turn 39 this April. At first glance, he sometimes appears a bit “fluffy,” which leads some guests to assume he must be a large male. In reality, Josh is short and sturdy, weighing just 99 pounds. For an adult male chimpanzee, that places him on the smaller end of the spectrum, but he is perfectly healthy and well within a normal range for his body type.

One of Josh’s most distinctive features is his shorter fingers. If you look closely, you can see that his hands are built a little differently than some of the other males. That small anatomical difference means certain enrichment activities, such as fishing for treats inside narrow tubes or manipulating puzzle feeders, can require a bit more effort and creativity.

And yet, that is part of what makes Josh so admirable.

He doesn’t give up easily. Whether he’s carefully working through a puzzle, reaching for a favorite treat tucked deep inside enrichment, or observing the activity around him, Josh approaches life with quiet determination. His perseverance reminds us that success isn’t always about size or strength. Sometimes it’s simply about patience and persistence.

Every ape at the sanctuary has a story. Josh’s just happens to come in a slightly smaller package.

Two Special Events to Celebrate at the Sanctuary

We’re looking forward to two special gatherings in May and June — Muffins and Ape Moms and Drinks and Ape Dads.

May 9, 2026 - Muffins and Ape Moms

Celebrate Mother’s Day in a meaningful and memorable way at the Center for Great Apes with Muffins with Our Ape Moms—a special morning experience honoring both the human moms in your life and the incredible great ape mothers who call the sanctuary home.

This guided morning visit is similar in format to our popular Afternoon with the Apes tour, with a few thoughtful extras just for the occasion. Guests will enjoy light breakfast pastries and beverages before heading out to learn more about some of the remarkable ape moms at the sanctuary and the unique stories that brought them here.



During this special Mother’s Day–inspired experience, participants will also have the opportunity to hear from our Founding Director, Patti Ragan, who will share insights into the sanctuary’s mission, its history, and the powerful bonds between ape mothers and their families.

June 20, 2026 - Drinks and Ape Dads

Celebrate the fathers and father figures in your life this Father's Day with a one-of-a-kind sanctuary experience at the Center for Great Apes—Drinks with Our Ape Dads.



This special warm-weather visit invites guests to cool off with refreshing lemonade, iced tea, and light refreshments while learning more about some of the incredible great ape dads and dominant males who call the sanctuary home. Similar in format to our Afternoon with the Apes tour, this experience offers meaningful stories, behind-the-scenes insight, and time spent observing our residents in their habitats.



This guided walking tour, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the unique roles ape dads and dominant males play within their social groups—ranging from protectors and peacekeepers to patient companions and steady leaders. You’ll hear the personal stories of individuals who have come from backgrounds in entertainment, research, or private ownership and now receive lifelong care at the sanctuary.

During this special experience, participants will hear from our Founding Director, Patti Ragan, who will share insights into the sanctuary’s mission, its history, and the important roles ape dads and dominant males play within their social groups.

Help Us Keep the Apes Swinging, Climbing, and Curious

Some of our most durable and most appreciated enrichment doesn’t come from a catalog. It comes from retired firehose.

Before anything else, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Hardee County Fire Department for their recent donations of hose to the sanctuary. Their generosity directly supports the well-being of the orangutans and chimpanzees in our care, and we are truly grateful for their continued partnership.

Firehose has become a staple material in our habitats because it is incredibly strong, flexible, and safe when properly prepared. Our caregivers use it in creative and purposeful ways that promote natural movement, comfort, and problem-solving.

Climbing & Swinging

Strips of firehose are woven, knotted, and suspended to create sturdy swings and climbing elements. These additions allow the apes to travel through their habitats in ways that feel natural to them—swinging hand-over-hand, balancing, and choosing how and where they move each day.

Nests, Hammocks & Resting Spaces

Firehose also makes excellent nesting and lounging structures. Hammocks and platforms woven from hose provide elevated resting spots where the apes can relax, observe their surroundings, and build comfortable nests. Choice and comfort are essential to their daily lives, and these structures offer both.

Enrichment Puzzles & Devices

Caregivers often incorporate a firehose into enrichment puzzles. It can be rolled, braided, or stitched into devices that hold favorite treats, encouraging dexterity, patience, and critical thinking. Watching an ape carefully manipulate a hose puzzle, testing, twisting, and figuring it out, is a reminder of just how intelligent and engaged they are.

While we are grateful for our strong working relationship with our local departments, our need for hoses now exceeds what they are able to provide. In addition, some fire departments and other entities are no longer permitted to donate retired hoses due to regulations, legal concerns, or liability policies.

For that reason, we are reaching out to our extended community.

Do you have a contact?

If you, or someone you know, has a connection to a fire department, training facility, industrial supplier, or organization that may have retired firehose available, we would deeply appreciate an introduction.

This simple, sturdy material brings tremendous value to the daily lives of the orangutans and chimpanzees who call the sanctuary home. If you can help or know someone who might, please reach out. Together, we can keep the apes climbing, swinging, resting, and exploring, just the way they were meant to.

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
• 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!