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You may notice something a little different... we’ve made a few thoughtful updates to our logo.
As the Center for Great Apes continues to grow, we wanted to ensure our visual identity reflects that progress while remaining true to who we are. This refresh focuses on modernizing the typography and refining the ape silhouettes, making the logo clearer, more recognizable, and easier to use across print and digital platforms.
While the design has been updated, what it represents has not changed. The heart of our logo — the orangutans and chimpanzees who call the sanctuary home — remains front and center, just as they always have been.
To be mindful of resources, we’ll be rolling out the updated logo gradually over the next few months. You may begin to see it appear on our website, communications, merchandise, and materials as they are refreshed.
This small update helps us share the apes’ stories more clearly and carry our mission forward with strength and consistency.
As always, we are deeply grateful for your continued support. Everything we do, including how we present ourselves to the world, is made possible because of this incredible community.
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Honoring the Memory of Dr. Jane Goodall—
A Legacy That Continues to Grow
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We are taking a moment to celebrate the remarkable life and work of Board of Directors Emeritus, Dr. Jane Goodall, on Jane Goodall Day, today, April 3rd. Her lifelong dedication to understanding and protecting chimpanzees and to inspiring generations of people to care has left an enduring mark on the world and on all of us here at the Center for Great Apes.
Dr. Goodall’s work has always extended far beyond the forests of Gombe. She has shown us that real change begins with individuals who care deeply and are willing to act. One of the most meaningful expressions of that vision is the program she founded, Roots & Shoots.
Roots & Shoots is a global program that empowers people to create positive change in their communities. It focuses on projects that benefit people, animals, and the environment, encouraging hands-on action and leadership. Through local and global initiatives, participants develop skills, compassion, and a deeper connection to the world around them.
In honor of Dr. Goodall’s legacy, and in celebration of her birthday, we are proud to share that the Center for Great Apes is launching our very own Roots & Shoots chapter.
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This new chapter will offer a meaningful way for our community to come together, learn, and take action on behalf of animals, people, and the environment. Whether you are a long-time supporter or just beginning your journey with us, this is a wonderful opportunity to become more involved and make a lasting difference.
Our first meeting will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, April 7th at 6:30 PM EDT, and we would be delighted to have you join us. You can sign up and learn more by connecting with us on Facebook or Instagram, or by sending an email to rootsandshoots@centerforgreatapes.org.
As we reflect on Dr. Goodall’s extraordinary life, we are reminded that her greatest gift may be the hope she continues to inspire in others. Through Roots & Shoots, and through each of us, that hope carries forward, growing stronger with every act of kindness and care.
| | A Beautiful Day at the Sanctuary | | |
What a wonderful day we shared together at last Saturday’s Spring Member Day. With more than 800 guests on the grounds, the sanctuary was filled with a warm sense of community and a shared appreciation for the orangutans and chimpanzees in our care.
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Guests enjoyed a meaningful afternoon strolling through the sanctuary, observing the apes in their habitats, and learning more about the individualized care they receive each day. Along the way, many had the opportunity to meet our dedicated caregivers, whose stories and insights brought each ape’s personality and journey to life in a very special way.
Our Founding Director, Patti Ragan, offered a heartfelt talk, reflecting on the sanctuary’s mission and the importance of providing lifelong care. Throughout the day, guests also spent time shopping, enjoying refreshments, bidding in the silent auction, and taking part in the raffle—all helping to raise important funds that directly support the apes.
It was a truly enjoyable day, made even more meaningful by the kindness and enthusiasm of everyone who attended.
We look forward to welcoming you again at our next member event, the Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 5th.
| | Foraging Fun: Encouraging Natural Behaviors | | |
One of the most important ways we care for the orangutans and chimpanzees at the Center for Great Apes is by providing daily enrichment that encourages them to think, explore, and engage with their surroundings. A favorite activity for the apes is foraging.
In the wild, chimpanzees spend a significant portion of their day searching for food. This natural behavior keeps their minds active and their bodies moving as they travel, investigate, and problem-solve to find what they need. Here at the sanctuary, we recreate that experience by offering a variety of forage treats and opportunities that spark those same instincts.
Our Nutrition Team and Caregivers prepare scatter feeds using items like popcorn, dried fruit, nuts, cereal, and even dried pasta. These treats are thoughtfully spread throughout the habitats, encouraging the apes to search high and low, just as they would in their natural environments. It turns mealtime into an engaging activity rather than a simple routine.
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Chimpanzees Bentley and Crystal are especially enthusiastic participants when it comes to foraging... particularly when popcorn is involved. With keen eyes and quick hands, they eagerly move through their habitat, carefully picking up each piece.
Foraging enrichment provides more than just a tasty reward. It supports cognitive skills, promotes physical activity, and helps reduce boredom by offering variety and challenge throughout the day. Most importantly, it allows the apes to express behaviors that are natural and meaningful to them.
Moments like these, watching the apes delight in something as simple as popcorn, are a reminder that thoughtful care goes beyond meeting basic needs. It’s about creating opportunities for choice, curiosity, and engagement, helping each individual thrive in a safe and enriching environment.
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Day Sponsorships Filled for the Year
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, all of the Day Sponsorship opportunities for our chimpanzees and orangutans have been filled for the entire calendar year.
If you weren’t able to secure a day this year, don’t worry—more opportunities are on the horizon. Stay tuned for new and creative ways to support your favorite ape and the families they live with here at the sanctuary.
| | Other Ways To Help the Apes | | | | |
