Enrichment in Action: Brooks and a Pinecone Puzzle

At the sanctuary, enrichment is much more than a pastime; it’s an essential part of daily life that keeps our chimpanzees engaged, challenged, and curious. One of our simplest, yet most effective tools?

Pinecones.

Pinecones may look ordinary, but in the hands of a chimpanzee (or orangutan), they become a thoughtful puzzle. Caregivers carefully prepare them with small treats like seeds, nuts, oatmeal, honey, condiments, or other favorite flavors. The result is a hands-on foraging experience that encourages problem-solving, fine motor skills, and natural behaviors chimpanzees would use in the wild. Some chimps patiently pick them apart piece by piece, while others dive right in with determination and focus.

For Brooks, pinecones are a clear favorite. A thoughtful and intense individual, Brooks becomes completely absorbed once he gets one in his hands. He inspects every angle, twists and turns the cone with purpose, and works methodically to be sure not a single bite is missed. Watching him engage with enrichment like this offers a glimpse into his sharp mind and strong drive to figure things out.

Today’s photo captures Brooks exactly as we often see him—focused, curious, and fully immersed in the moment. These enrichment opportunities help provide mental stimulation, choice, and satisfaction, all while supporting Brooks’ well-being and allowing him to express his natural instincts. It’s a small pinecone, but it plays a big role in a very important part of his day.

T-Shirt Design Contest Update

We’ve loved the creativity coming in for our Graphic Design Contest!

If you’re still working on a design, there are just a few more days to submit your artwork for this year’s Annual Spring Member Day T-shirt.

We can’t wait to see what you create!

Contest Deadline:

Designs must be submitted by 5:00 PM on Saturday, January 31st.

How to Submit:

Please email your artwork to Lauren, Donor Programs Coordinator, by the deadline above. donorprograms@centerforgreatapes.org

What the Winner Receives:

If your design is selected and printed, you’ll receive:

• A Great Ape Hero Membership (valued at $350)
• Four tickets to our two Member Events
• A private sanctuary tour for up to four people to where you can meet Sandra and Jethro
• And a T-shirt featuring your winning design

Pizza, PVC, and Purpose

There’s something special that happens when a group of dedicated volunteers comes together... not just to help, but to share time, laughter, and a common purpose. Our recent Pizza and PVC Party was one of those moments that reminded us just how much heart our volunteers bring to the sanctuary.

With pizza boxes stacked high and plenty of conversation flowing, volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got to work creating new PVC enrichment for the apes. Piece by piece, the room filled with carefully measured cuts, thoughtful designs (approved by our ape care team), and a shared focus on making something meaningful. Every puzzle was built with intention. Enrichment is meant to challenge curious minds, encourage problem-solving, and add variety to the apes’ daily routines.

The highlight of the day came after the tools were set aside. Volunteers gathered to watch as the new enrichment was introduced, and the apes immediately got to work—twisting, exploring, shaking, and investigating every angle. Seeing the apes engage so quickly and creatively was a powerful reminder of why enrichment matters and why volunteer time is such a gift.

Moments like these go beyond a simple work session. They reflect community, commitment, and care for the apes and for one another. We are deeply grateful to our volunteers for their generous time, talents, and hearts. Thanks to them, the sanctuary is richer, more engaging, and filled with opportunities for the apes to thrive.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be part of moments like this and want to make a difference and share meaningful experiences, then we’d love to welcome you as a volunteer at the Center for Great Apes.

Membership Renewal Time

Membership renewals are due by the end of January. We have transitioned our memberships to run on a January–December calendar year. To be applied toward membership, gifts must be designated specifically as membership contributions. General donations, which we truly appreciate, support the daily care and well-being of the apes and do not count toward membership.

Our annual Membership Drive and renewal notices will be sent later this month.

As a small thank-you, members who renew early or join before notices are mailed will receive a commemorative Center for Great Apes member magnet.

Membership support helps us plan responsibly, provide consistent lifelong care, and offer meaningful ways for members to stay connected to the orangutans and chimpanzees who call the sanctuary home.

If you’ve already renewed, thank you—your support truly matters. If not, we invite you to renew or join before the end of the month.

Employment Opportunities

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

• Donor Relations/Development Assistant
• Caregiver
• Assistant 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!