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This week, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our most joyful, energetic chimpanzee residents—Larry—as we celebrate both his 27th birthday and his two-year anniversary at the Center for Great Apes.
Larry arrived in November 2023 after spending more than a year on hold at a safari park in Arkansas following its closure. His early years were filled with frequent moves: born in Missouri, he was sent to a trainer in Los Angeles as an infant, and like many young chimpanzees used in entertainment, he became too large to handle safely as he grew. From there, he was sent to a small zoo in the Ozarks, where he lived with only one female companion... and then many years alone after her death.
Today, Larry’s life looks brighter. Over the past year, Larry reached an exciting milestone: he has been successfully integrated into a new chimpanzee group! His companions now include females Bella, Ellie, and Maggie, along with another male, Jeeter. Jeeter’s story mirrors Larry’s in many ways—he, too, spent years housed alone before coming to the sanctuary and was looking for new friends. The two males have formed a strong and meaningful bond, giving each other what both had been missing for so long: true chimpanzee companionship.
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Larry spends the most time with Jeeter and Ellie, his closest friends. He and Ellie have become a particularly playful pair, often engaging in spirited rounds of chase or even a little tickling! In fact, Larry loves chase so much that he insists on playing a quick game with caregivers each morning before he accepts his breakfast.
Larry is a smart, active boy with an engaging personality. One of his favorite enrichment items is a “honeycomb” feeder—an intricate puzzle where frozen oatmeal, honey, and other treats are tucked into tiny crevices. Using tools, patience, and a determined tongue, Larry works to get every last drop. He’s also an enthusiastic eater who loves his leafy greens. There’s hardly a fruit or veggie he doesn’t enjoy!
From discovering new toys to confidently exploring our aerial trailways, Larry continues to blossom in his new environment. With friends by his side, enrichment that challenges and engages him, and caregivers who adore his playful spirit, he’s settling beautifully into the next chapter of his life.
Today, as we celebrate his 27th birthday, we’re especially grateful to see Larry thriving—safe, social, and surrounded by the companionship he always deserved.
| | Supporting Connie, Pumpkin, and Chloe on Giving Tuesday | | |
We are truly in awe.
This Giving Tuesday, as we celebrated the shared birthday of orangutans Connie and Pumpkin and chimpanzee Chloe, we asked for your help, and your response was nothing short of incredible.
Thanks to your generosity, we raised enough to fully support the care of these three remarkable girls well into the new year! That means nutritious meals, daily enrichment, medical care, companionship, and the peaceful sanctuary life they deserve.
Whether you gave in honor of their birthday or shared our appeal with others, you made a difference. And the impact goes far beyond three individuals; your support is part of what keeps our entire sanctuary community strong.
Thank you for helping us start the season with such a powerful reminder of compassion and connection.
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Tomorrow is the day—and there’s still time to reserve your tickets to join us for a joyful afternoon at the sanctuary. Along with visiting the orangutans and chimpanzees, you’ll enjoy delicious food trucks, a festive silent auction, a lively raffle, and plenty of great ape gifts and souvenirs to browse. We hope you’ll share this special holiday tradition with us.
| | Bring Home a Burst of Joy: Grape Ape Art in This Year’s Auction! | | |
Grape Ape Art – Framed 18"x22" Print with Hand-Painted Mat by our CGA Chimps
Add a burst of joy and color to your home with this charming “Grape Ape Art” print—beautifully framed and made even more special with a painted mat created by our very own CGA chimpanzee artists!
This bright, spirited piece carries all the personality and playful energy of the chimps who helped bring it to life. At 18"x22", it’s the perfect size to make a statement in any room… or to give as a heartfelt, one-of-a-kind gift that’s sure to delight.
A treasure like this doesn’t come around often. Place your bid during the event auction, have some fun with it, and bring home a little piece of sanctuary magic!
| | Give a Meaningful Gift: Adopt an Ape | | |
As the holiday season begins and many of us start searching for thoughtful gifts, we invite you to consider one that makes a lasting impact. A symbolic ape adoption is a heartfelt way to support the orangutans and chimpanzees who call the Center for Great Apes home while surprising the ape lover in your life with something truly special.
From now through Monday, December 15th, all NEW symbolic ape adoptions will receive two festive bonuses:
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A limited-edition Center for Great Apes ornament
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A postcard of your chosen adopted ape, both mailed to you or your gift recipient
These exclusive holiday extras are a wonderful way to make your gift even more personal.
Adoption Levels
Choose the experience that fits your gift:
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$300 Adoption – Includes a virtual visit with your adopted ape
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$400 Adoption – Includes a private tour to meet your adopted ape in person
Every Adoption Also Includes:
- An electronic adoption packet with a certificate and a photo
- Enrollment in our monthly e-newsletters
- Twice-yearly Ape Updates about your chosen ape
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A Family Membership (four people), including invitations to our two annual member events
If you’re looking for a meaningful connection this season, you might consider adopting one of the residents who would appreciate a little extra love at year’s end: orangutan Allie and chimpanzees Bentley, Boma, and Ripley.
| | Symbolic adoptions directly support lifelong care, enrichment, and safe, spacious habitats for every resident at the sanctuary. It’s a gift that truly gives back. | | | | |
The 2026 Center for Great Apes Calendar is here! 13 months of colorful, heartwarming photos featuring the orangutans and chimpanzees who call the sanctuary home!
Calendars are just $15 plus $5 shipping—perfect for your home, office, or as a thoughtful holiday gift that gives back. Order yours today and share a year of smiles from our amazing apes!
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Become a 2026 Day Sponsor and have the opportunity to help provide birthday/anniversary enrichment and special treats as well as
sponsoring the day's diet and care for your chosen ape.
Click below to see who still needs a Day Sponsor!
| | Other Ways To Help the Apes | | | | |
