Meet Mowgli: The Life of the Party | | |
Mowgli is a lively burst of energy and joy, always ready to turn an ordinary day into a full-blown adventure. Whether he’s bouncing on his bungee cord, flipping through magazines in his hammock, or splashing with delight in a bucket of soapy water, Mowgli approaches every moment with enthusiasm.
He’s especially fond of enrichment activities, particularly the kind that let him unleash his inner architect. Give him a pile of boxes, and you’ll find him building elaborate forts or gleefully knocking them down. And if you happen to show up with a plantain in hand, you’ll have a friend for life.
Mowgli is rarely seen without his best buddy, Natsu. The two are a dynamic duo, inseparable and always stirring up fun together. Their playful shenanigans keep everyone on their toes and never fail to bring smiles to the caregivers’ faces.
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Beneath all the energy, Mowgli has a warm and friendly nature. He enjoys spending time with his entire group, which includes his longtime pals Brooks, Kenya, Chipper, and Natsu, as well as newer companions Murray, Angel, and Chloe. He’s the kind of chimpanzee who knows how to make friends and keep them.
With his big personality and even bigger heart, Mowgli reminds us every day how joyful sanctuary life can be.
| | | Meet Geri: The Sanctuary’s Clever Curator | | |
Geri is a calm and curious orangutan who enjoys life on her own terms. Known for her intelligence and independent spirit, Geri is always busy with a new “project,” whether that’s sorting her toys, carefully inspecting each piece of browse, or thoughtfully rearranging her enrichment just the way she likes it.
One of Geri’s most charming traits is her neat and tidy nature. She often fills a bucket with soapy water and gives her toys a good scrub, taking pride in keeping things clean. She also loves gathering her favorite items, such as wooden tools, hats, and plastic shovels, into a laundry basket, which she carries through her habitat like a prized collection. Sometimes, she even turns it into a seat for a peaceful lunch break in the sunshine.
Geri shares her space with Linus, her longtime companion. She enjoys sitting close to him and offering a gentle grooming session, though she’s also quick to check if he’s left behind any treats or enrichment she can “borrow” for herself.
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When she’s feeling social, Geri makes her way into the aerial trailways to visit with her orangutan neighbors like Popi and Tango. And at the end of each day, she gathers her blankets and favorite toys to settle in for a cozy, quiet evening in her nighthouse bedroom.
Geri’s thoughtful ways and quiet confidence make her one of the sanctuary’s most delightful individuals to observe and love.
| | Final Stretch of Adopt-a-Palooza | | |
A quick behind-the-scenes update from me…
We’re heading into the last week of Adopt-a-Palooza, and I’ve got to say, what a month it’s been! Thanks to your incredible support, 51 new adoptions have come in so far this July, and every single one has been cause for celebration (yes, we really do a happy dance for each one)!
Even more exciting: every featured ape now has at least one new adoptive parent! That’s a huge milestone, and it’s all thanks to you.
But we’re not done yet…
We’d love for every orangutan and chimpanzee to have at least two new adoptive parents before the month ends next Thursday, July 31st. To make that happen, we need just 17 more adoptions this coming week!
The following apes still need one more new match:
Archie, Bella, Billy, Bo, Butch, Candy, Chipper, Jethro, Kerry, Kenzy, Maggie, Maude, Mystery, Natsu, Pongo, Sabina, and Sha Sha.
Could one of them be your match? Or maybe someone you know would love to symbolically adopt one of our residents and be a part of this summer tradition.
This month only: All new adoptive parents receive a limited-edition postcard painted by one of the apes. At the $300 level, you can schedule a virtual visit, and at $400, you’ll receive a private tour of the sanctuary.
If you’ve already adopted this month, thank you so much! If you haven’t yet, or are thinking about a second adoption, now’s the perfect time to help us reach our goal. Please reach out to me directly if you have any questions about Adopt-a-Palooza or adoptions in general: donorprograms@centerforgreatapes.org.
With gratitude,
Lauren
Donor Programs Coordinator
PS. All current adoptive parents, keep an eye out on your email inbox this Sunday for a very special Parents' Day email from me!
| | New Outreach Program Launches | | |
We’re excited to announce a new chapter in community outreach at the Center for Great Apes! As part of our ongoing efforts to share the sanctuary’s mission with a broader audience, we’ve launched an official Outreach Program, and we’re proud to announce that longtime staff member Lisaanne has been promoted to the role of Community Engagement Specialist, leading the way.
In her new position, Lisaanne is spearheading efforts to expand awareness of the Center through educational outreach, volunteer recruitment, and engagement with potential members and donors. With her enthusiasm, deep knowledge of the sanctuary, and passion for connecting people to our mission, we know she’ll make a meaningful impact in communities near and far.
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Our very first major outreach event was SharkCon in Tampa, a two-day expo focused on ocean and wildlife conservation. This was the Center’s first time attending SharkCon, and it was a great success! Our team met hundreds of attendees, introduced them to the stories of our orangutan and chimpanzee residents, and encouraged new volunteers and supporters to get involved.
We’re just getting started, and we’d love your help! If you are aware of a local festival, fair, expo, or school event where you believe the Center should have a presence, please let us know at outreach@centerforgreatapes.org. Your suggestions can help us reach more hearts and minds and grow our amazing community of great ape allies.
| | Only a Few Spots Left for International Orangutan Day | | |
Join us Tuesday, August 19th, for a special International Orangutan Day event at the Center for Great Apes!
Take a guided walk through the sanctuary to visit our orangutan habitats, hear stories from their caregivers, and enjoy:
- A special Orangutan Talk with our Ape Care Supervisor
- An educational tour focused on our orangutans
- Limited-edition merchandise and artwork
- Raffle prizes and surprises
Tour Times: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM or 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Cost: $50 per person | Ages 15+
Only a few spots remain—reserve yours today and help us celebrate these intelligent, gentle beings while supporting their lifelong care.
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We are seeking passionate individuals who share our commitment to the well-being of these remarkable great apes. We are currently seeking:
If you possess the skills and experience we are seeking (or know someone who does), we encourage you to apply today! Please visit our employment page on the website for more details on these positions and the application process.
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July 2025 - Adopt-a-Palooza
August 19, 2025 - International Orangutan Day
October 7, 2025 - Giving Day for Apes
October 11, 2025 - Ape-ology: In the Field (Healthcare & Training)
November 8, 2025 - Art with the Apes
December 6, 2025 - Holiday Open House for Members & Guests
| | | | Thank you for supporting the Center for Great Apes! | | | | |
