BamBam the Builder

With all the construction buzzing at the front of the sanctuary, it seems our clever orangutan BamBam has been inspired to start his own “home improvement” project! Watching the workers, he decided to take matters into his own hands (quite literally!) by digging holes throughout his habitat.

But Bambam didn’t stop at digging. Always inventive, he began filling the holes with water to create his own mud piles. This led to quite a sight during lunchtime. Before reaching for his fruit or biscuits, BamBam would first have to shake the mud off his hands, carefully wiping them before touching his food.

This little ritual may look comical, but it actually tells us something fascinating about orangutans. Even in the wild, orangutans are known for their preference for cleanliness. Researchers have observed them washing their food in streams or wiping it on leaves before eating, just as BamBam was doing in his muddy workshop.

BamBam’s muddy adventures are a perfect reminder of the intelligence and natural behaviors of orangutans. He found a way to mimic what he saw around him, adding his own twist of creativity, and still managed to stay true to his natural instinct for cleanliness. It’s just one more reason why providing them with enriching habitats and opportunities to explore their creativity is so important.

Giving Day for Apes 2025

Giving Day for Apes, presented by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), is a 24-hour online fundraising event supporting sanctuaries and rescue centers that provide rehabilitation and long-term care to great apes and gibbons throughout Africa, Asia, and North America.

For the Center for Great Apes, it is not only a global event... it is also our largest online fundraiser of the year.

Why This Day Matters

Giving Day for Apes is more than just an opportunity to give, it’s also a chance for CGA to compete for additional cash prizes that can significantly increase the impact of your donation.

These bonus awards are based on donor participation, fundraising totals, and other special challenges throughout the day. Every gift—no matter the size—helps us reach new milestones and keeps us in the running for these vital prizes.

Your Impact

Each donation to Giving Day for Apes directly supports the orangutans and chimpanzees who call the Center home. From fresh produce and enrichment activities to expert veterinary treatment and the maintenance of safe, naturalistic habitats, your gift provides the essentials of lifelong sanctuary care.

Every donation—no matter the amount—has the potential to bring in additional prize money, expanding its impact even further.

Join Us in Making This Our Biggest Year Yet

With your help, we can not only meet our goal but also unlock additional prizes that will go even further for the apes. Early giving opens September 16, and the 24-hour live Giving Day for Apes runs from midnight to 11:59 p.m. EST on October 7.

Stay tuned, we’ll share tips on how you can help the Center climb the leaderboards and maximize your impact on the big day.

Together, with your support, we can make this the most successful Giving Day for Apes yet!

Ape-ology: In the Field

This October, join us for Ape-ology: In the Field and discover the innovative ways our sanctuary cares for orangutans and chimpanzees. This unique session offers a closer look at how the apes play an active role in their own healthcare and how trust, patience, and compassion make it possible.

A Partnership in Care

Caring for apes is more than providing nutritious meals and enriching habitats. At the heart of our work is ensuring every resident receives the very best veterinary attention. During this special program, you’ll see how our caregivers use positive reinforcement training to encourage the apes to voluntarily participate in routine health checks.

From opening their mouths for a dental check to calmly presenting an arm for a mock injection, these cooperative behaviors reduce stress and give each ape a sense of control, all while earning a tasty treat as a reward!

What You’ll Experience

Participants in this session will have the rare opportunity to:

• Observe healthcare training sessions with both chimpanzees and orangutans.
• Learn directly from caregivers about the trust-building techniques that make this possible.
• See firsthand how training strengthens bonds while supporting the well-being of each individual ape.

Be Part of the Experience

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to witness the remarkable partnership between apes and humans. Join us this October and gain insight into the compassionate, hands-on work that makes lifelong sanctuary possible.

Program Details

Date: Saturday, October 11th

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Tickets: $60 per person

Minimum age to attend: 15 years

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.

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
• 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.

Other Ways To Help

Thank you for supporting the Center for Great Apes!