center for great apes

My husband and I are members of the Center for Great Apes, so I am not an unbiased reviewer. But this is such a marvelous non-profit organization for the sole purpose of rescuing chimpanzees and orangutans from the entertainment business, research facilities, and personal ownership. There is no other such place for orangutans in North America. We found the Center from my volunteer work with the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford because we volunteer at the Center once a year or so just helping out with whatever they need. We became members to help support the mission of the Center and come down twice a year for open houses and to visit the residents. It is open only to members twice a year, so please consider becoming a member If you are interested in such a worthwhile cause. You can keep track of the Center through its web page and its Facebook page. A recent highlight was seeing how much the residents enjoyed the Easter baskets filled with hard boiled eggs, fruit, nuts, and other treats that the staff prepared for each one.

This is not open to the public. It is open to members twice a year, but this is a place worth supporting. We went to our first member's event and it was truly spectacular. They have almost 50 Chimps and Orangutans in really cool environments.

As other reviewers have mentioned, this is not open to the public except for two days a year, and even then it's only open to members and their guests. I was able to visit as a guest, and I was totally impressed and touched by this facility and its mission.You can tell that the staff and volunteers are extremely dedicated to these awesome animals. They are happy to talk to you about the facility and its residents, and their welcoming and friendly attitude makes your visit even better. You can walk the trails at your own pace, see the apes just hanging out and being themselves (you will not see any performances here!), and chat with the staff. Photography is allowed.They have a wonderful website, too. Check it out to see how you can become a member or how you can purchase items to help care for the apes.Amazing. I applaud and highly recommend it.

This great ape sanctuary saves abused animals from all around the country, letting them live as apes should. The carestaff and director are warm and welcoming, and they deserve all the donations they can get from visitors! When you're there, it's like the rest of the world doesn't exist. Sit awhile, watch chimpanzees and orangutans, leave your worries behind.

We attended a members only event at the invitation of friends. What a memorable day. The staff is very knowledgeable about the apes, their habits and preferences. They were so generous in helping educate us with the goal of gaining new members to support the sanctuary. We were allowed to visit in this natual environment where the apes are lovingly cared for following what had been a traumatic life for many of them. Each have individual personalities and talents and some were happy to show off for the crowd knowing it was a special day. Ape art was available for sale and a small silent auction was held to raise additonal funds. Cookies and beverages were available. This is truly a worthwile organization. The Center accepts financial donations of supplies and equipment for the care of the apes. The apes are quite protected and events are held periodically so access is not allowed for daily visits. Be sure to plan ahead and visit their web site for more information.

My sister and I love to tell others about the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula Florida. They have a sanctuary for over 40 chimps and orangs, who have been saved from the pet industry/tv and film work and other horrible situations. Members may visit the sanctuary two days a year at the Members Event. Feel free to "adopt" a resident - the money goes to a GREAT CAUSE.