Sha Sha

Getting To Know Them Better

Sha Sha arrived at the Center for Great Apes from the California Wildlife Waystation last November along with seven other chimpanzees in her group and the lone male chimpanzee, Jeeter. The others in her group (Ewok, Sabina, Josh, Billy, Maude, and Mystery) were all born at a New York biomedical research lab (LEMSIP) and were sent as infants and juveniles to the Los Angeles Waystation in 1996 when the lab closed.

However, Sha Sha was born at the Waystation to two adult chimpanzees who also arrived from LEMSIP. Sha Sha’s mother did not know how to care for her infant, so she was hand-raised by the Waystation staff for her first few years and then introduced to the youngest group at the facility. Sha Sha’s actual name came from an African song “Shauri ya Mungu” which translates as “It is because of God”.

At age 21 now, Sha Sha is the baby in the group and usually gets her way when negotiating space, grooming, and food treats.

Back to Meet the Chimpanzee

Birthday

11/05/1999

Interesting Facts

ADOPT AN APE

It costs $22,000 a year to care for one of our apes. By symbolically adopting the ape of your choice for a one-time donation of $300 OR just $25 a month for one year, you are helping ensure the health, safety, and well-being of your orangutan or chimpanzee.

Adopt an ape

Can't Adopt?

In addition to cash donations, the Center for Great Apes is always in need of food, enrichment items, and supplies. We welcome gifts of all kinds.

AMAZON WISHLIST