Back to School... for Apes? | | |
As children across the country pack their backpacks and return to school, there’s a kind of classroom buzz happening right here at the Center for Great Apes, only our “students” walk on knuckles, not sneakers!
While our orangutans and chimpanzees aren’t sitting at desks or taking spelling tests, they’re actively engaged in something just as important: daily husbandry training sessions that help support their health and well-being.
Using positive reinforcement techniques, our caregivers work one-on-one with the apes to encourage voluntary participation in health checks, such as presenting their hands or feet, opening their mouths, or shifting calmly between areas. These simple behaviors, taught gently over time, allow us to monitor their health and provide veterinary care without stress or sedation.
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Just like human students, each ape learns at their own pace. Some are quick studies, eager to engage and “show what they know.” Others need more time and encouragement—especially our more shy or older residents. But all benefit from the mental stimulation, trust-building, and sense of accomplishment that training brings.
And yes, just like in school, treats are definitely part of the reward system. These training moments aren’t just functional; they’re a reflection of the respect we have for each individual ape. By giving them choices and involving them in their own care, we nurture both their physical health and emotional confidence.
So, while students across the country are diving into math and reading, our apes are mastering their own curriculum, one that keeps them healthy, empowered, and connected to the people who care for them.
If this subject interests you, join us for our first Ape-ology: In the Field of the season.
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This summer, our elder chimpanzee Bo received a small but significant upgrade, one that shows the individualized care we provide at the Center for Great Apes.
When Bo arrived at the sanctuary, he came with some chronic leg and foot issues that required extra attention. Aging apes, like Bo, need thoughtful support for their mobility and comfort... just like humans do. That’s why our care team recently enhanced his domed habitat with a beautifully soft grass-covered interior, transforming his space into a soothing, barefoot-friendly retreat.
This upgrade may look simple on the surface, but it’s the result of careful planning, daily observation, and compassion. Soft natural ground offers Bo relief from harder surfaces, helping to reduce pressure on his joints and feet, while still allowing him to roam, forage, and relax on his own terms.
While we would love to have lush grass in every outdoor habitat, not all areas are suitable for it. Sometimes the design of a space, heavy shade, or even the apes’ natural tendency to pull up and play with the grass makes it difficult to maintain. That’s why each habitat is designed with the residents’ specific needs, safety, and enrichment in mind, just like Bo’s new grass-covered retreat.
At the sanctuary, every ape’s needs are treated as a top priority. From mobility concerns to emotional well-being, we continually modify our environments to ensure that our residents not only live safely but also thrive.
| When Fire Strikes, Teamwork Ignites | |
Though Florida’s rainy season usually brings a steady rhythm of afternoon downpours, the weather around the sanctuary has been unusually dry this month. And with that dryness came something we’re always prepared for, but never take lightly: grass fires.
Just last week, small fires sparked up along the roadside near our sanctuary. While the flames never reached the interior of the property, the proximity was close enough to trigger our emergency fire response protocols.
Being in a rural location, our nearest fire station is over 15 minutes away, which means that in those first critical minutes, it’s up to us to keep the flames from advancing. And that’s precisely what our team did.
Equipped with training on fire extinguisher use, our staff worked quickly and cohesively, deploying extinguishers, throwing dirt, and stomping out small flames, while monitoring the direction of the smoke and wind. Thanks to their fast action and coordination, the fires were kept under control until firefighters and the Florida Forestry Dept. arrived to secure the scene.
While the sanctuary itself was never in immediate danger, these events are a reminder that caring for great apes in a forested environment requires more than compassion - it takes readiness, training, and teamwork. We are also actively researching additional fire mitigation methods, such as adding a water buffalo system to strengthen our resources and increase our ability to respond quickly to future fire threats.
We’re deeply proud of how our staff came together. Their quick thinking and calm response protected the sanctuary and our resident apes.
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Shop with Purpose! Every purchase from our online gift shop helps provide lifelong care, food, and enrichment for the orangutans and chimpanzees at the Center for Great Apes. From unique ape-inspired gifts to everyday treasures, your shopping makes a difference. | | |
We are seeking passionate individuals who share our commitment to the well-being of these remarkable great apes. We are currently seeking:
- Development Assistant
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Great Ape 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.
| | Thank you for supporting the Center for Great Apes! | | | | |
