When Florida Gets Chilly: How Our Apes Stay Cozy,

Busy, and Enriched Indoors

Florida winters are usually short-lived, but every now and then, we get a few cooler days that require us to put our cold-weather protocol into action. When temperatures go down into the 30s and low 40s, our apes stay indoors where it’s warm, safe, and comfortable.

While our chimpanzees and orangutans usually like to be outside exploring their habitats and traveling through the trailways, their health always comes first. So when the doors stay closed, our care team shifts into creative mode to make sure those indoor days are anything but boring.

Cold-weather days become extra enrichment days, times when minds, hands, and curiosity are kept busy. Caregivers rotate a wide variety of enrichment throughout the day, including:

• Puzzle enrichment that encourages problem-solving, memory, and critical thinking
• Manipulative devices designed to promote dexterity, strength, and fine motor skills
• Food enrichment, with treats hidden, or presented in new ways to spark natural foraging behaviors
• And yes, even TVs, showing engaging videos that many of our apes genuinely enjoy watching

In addition to enrichment, these quieter days allow for a little extra one-on-one time with caregivers. Apes may receive relaxed husbandry sessions, such as mani-pedis, gentle grooming, or practice of basic husbandry training skills (important routines that build trust and keep everyone comfortable with daily care).



While no one cheers for cold weather here in Florida, these brief indoor stretches give us a chance for extra focus on mental enrichment, caregiver bonding, and a bit of cozy creativity. As soon as temperatures rise, the doors open again, and the apes are right back outside, soaking up the sunshine and freedom of their habitats.

Until then, even on the chilliest days, life at the sanctuary stays active, engaging, and full of thoughtful care.

A Very Special Birthday: Sinbad Turns 47

This week, we’re celebrating a remarkable milestone for one of our elder orangutans. Sinbad has turned 47 years old.

Sinbad is the second oldest male orangutan at the Center for Great Apes and holds an extraordinary distinction beyond our sanctuary as the oldest known pure Bornean male orangutan in North America. Orangutans can live into their 40s in the wild, and in human care may reach their 50s or beyond, making Sinbad’s age a powerful example of the impact of lifelong sanctuary and quality care.

Sinbad arrived at the Center in September 2020 with fellow orangutans Connie, Pumpkin, Peanut, and Hanna. Over the past few months, caregivers have noticed Sinbad coming out of his shell more than ever before, showing growing confidence and comfort in his environment.

Before arriving at the sanctuary, Sinbad was castrated, but unlike orangutans Radcliffe and Chuckie, this occurred after he had fully matured and developed facial flanges (cheekpads) and other adult male characteristics such as his throat-pouch and long hair. Because of this, our staff believed Sinbad would not be able to produce a long call, the powerful vocalization unique to flanged adult male orangutans. In the wild, long calls can travel long distances within the forest and are used to announce their presence and territory to other males while also attracting females.

That assumption changed recently when caregivers heard unfamiliar vocalizations near the outdoor habitat. The mystery was solved the following day when Sinbad was observed long calling at a skunk in the area — confidently and unmistakably. It turns out Sinbad had been experimenting with his long call, rediscovering a voice caregivers never expected to hear!

This new confidence is showing up in other meaningful ways as well. For the first time since his arrival at the sanctuary in 2020, Sinbad has allowed a trusted caregiver to file and trim his toenails, a milestone that reflects both his comfort and the strong bonds built through patience and trust.



At 47, Sinbad continues to grow, surprise us, and remind us that it’s never too late to find your voice.

Last Call for Artists! Graphic Design Contest Closes January 31

If you’re working on a design for this year’s Annual Spring Member Day T-shirt, please be sure to submit your artwork by 5:00 PM on January 31st.

Email designs to Lauren at donorprograms@centerforgreatapes.org.

The selected artist will receive a Great Ape Hero Membership, tickets to two Member Events, a private sanctuary tour for up to four people to meet Sandra and Jethro, and a T-shirt featuring the winning design.

2026 Memberships Now Due

Our 2026 membership year is officially underway, and now is the perfect time to renew. Memberships now run on a January–December calendar year, with renewals due by the end of January.

Renewing now ensures you’ll receive an invitation to one of the most anticipated membership benefits... Spring Member Day on March 28, 2026. This special day is reserved exclusively for members and offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with the sanctuary and the apes you help care for.

As a small thank-you, members who renew early, or join before renewal notices are mailed later this month, will receive a commemorative Center for Great Apes member magnet.

Membership support allows us to plan responsibly, provide consistent lifelong care, and continue offering special opportunities that keep our members connected to the orangutans and chimpanzees who call the sanctuary home.

If you’ve already renewed, thank you; your commitment truly makes a difference. If not, we invite you to renew or join before the end of the month.

Employment Opportunities

We are seeking passionate individuals who share our commitment to the well-being of these remarkable great apes. We are currently seeking:

• Volunteer Coordinator
• Donor Relations/Development Assistant
• 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.

Other Ways To Help

Thank you for supporting the Center for Great Apes!