Center for Great Apes June eNewsletter

Hurricane Season is Here

How We Prepare to Keep the Apes Safe

June 1st marks the official start of hurricane season, which runs through December 1st. Here in Florida, we understand that preparing early is crucial, especially when caring for 66 orangutans and chimpanzees who rely on us for their safety and security.

We consider hurricane prep to be a serious and well-prepared operation. While we’re fortunate to usually have several days' notice before a storm hits, our team starts getting ready long before a storm is named.

In the weeks leading up to the season, we begin stockpiling:

Fresh drinking water
Non-perishable food and produce
Medications for the apes
Fuel for our generators
Batteries for flashlights and portable fans

When a storm is approaching, our team jumps into action. We secure the grounds by placing plywood over windows and preparing the nighthouse areas with cots, coolers, and emergency gear. Our dedicated caregivers plan to stay on-site, sleeping in the keeper areas of the night buildings, so that the apes are never alone, no matter how intense the storm.

In advance of the weather, we also prepare extra meals, fill water containers, organize medications, and ensure that everything the apes (and our staff) might need is readily available.

To the apes, it can feel like an unusual kind of slumber party. Some find the extra attention and nighttime company to be fun, but they’re also aware that something out of the ordinary is going on. Their calm often depends on the calm and confidence of the humans caring for them.

Want to help?

We’ve created a Hurricane Preparedness Wishlist to help us stay fully stocked on supplies that protect both our apes and our staff during severe weather. Your support means we’re ready, no matter what the season brings.

View Our Hurricane Wishlist

FLOAT Campaign

Two Species. Two Continents. One Sanctuary. One United Design.

Orangutans from Southeast Asia and chimpanzees from Africa would never meet in the wild, but here at the Center for Great Apes, they share a peaceful sanctuary nestled in the Florida woods… and now, they’re united in one beautifully meaningful design.

Our new limited-edition FLOAT - For Love Of All Things apparel features both an orangutan and a chimpanzee, perfectly representing the unique individuals we care for every day.

From June 6th - 20th, FLOAT will donate a portion of the proceeds from every Center for Great Apes edition t-shirt, tank, and hoodie sold right back to the sanctuary to support our 65+ orangutan and chimpanzee residents.

Check out the design and explore multiple styles and colors at float.org/cga. Wear your support. Share your passion. Help us make a difference!

Check Out the Updates to Our Website

We’ve made some exciting changes to the Center for Great Apes website, all designed with you in mind! Whether you’re a long-time supporter or visiting us online for the first time, you’ll find the updated site cleaner, easier to navigate, and packed with helpful new features.

What’s New?

Improved Navigation Menus

Getting around our website is now simpler than ever. We've streamlined the menu structure so you can quickly find exactly what you're looking for, whether it’s information on our apes, ways to support the sanctuary, or how to plan your next visit.

New “Plan Your Visit” Page

Thinking of attending one of our educational events or Member Days? Our new Plan Your Visit page makes it easy to get all the info you need, from what to expect to directions and accessibility details.

Updated News & eNewsletter Archive

Want to catch up on what’s happening at the sanctuary? Our News page has been refreshed and now includes an archive of our eNewsletters, so you can stay up to date on stories, events, and special features you may have missed.

Live Social Media Feed

See what’s happening in real time! Our homepage now features our social media feed so you can catch adorable ape moments, updates, and announcements without ever leaving the site.

Enhanced Donation Options

Supporting the apes is easier and more flexible than ever. In addition to credit cards and ACH/e-checks, you can now donate using Venmo, PayPal, and Apple Pay, all of which are processed securely and seamlessly.

A Cleaner, More Modern Look

We’ve polished up the design for a cleaner, neater appearance that’s easier on the eyes and more user-friendly across all devices.

We’re excited to share these improvements with you and hope they make your experience on our site even more enjoyable.

Visit us today at centerforgreatapes.org and explore all the new features!

The Center for Great Apes Featured on PBS!

We’re excited to share some very special news... the Center for Great Apes was recently featured on the Tampa WEDU PBS series Greater!

The segment offers a heartfelt look into life at the sanctuary — from the unique stories of our orangutan and chimpanzee residents to the behind-the-scenes care provided by our dedicated team. You’ll meet a few familiar faces (both human and ape!) and get a glimpse of the daily compassion, commitment, and joy that go into caring for these intelligent beings.

It’s not just about what we do, it’s about why we do it. And this short film captures that beautifully.

We hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch and share it with others who may not yet know about the sanctuary.

Watch the Video Here