The Center for Great Apes is not open to the general public as an attraction or zoo. However, we do offer visits for our members at certain membership levels, as well as host periodic members-only events. Members at the Great Ape Hero Level (gift of $350 or more) can set up a private, guided tour for up to four family members.
All private tours are scheduled during our tour season, which runs from September through May, and are offered on days and times each week. Tours last approximately two hours. Private tours must be used within the active membership year. Please call a member of the Donor Relations Team at 863 767-8903 or email us here to inquire about tour availability.
Click Here for membership information.
In Wauchula, Florida just southwest of Orlando.
Our sanctuary is a lifelong home for orangutans and chimpanzees who have been rescued or retired from the entertainment industry, pet trade, or research facilities. To ensure their well-being and respect their need for a peaceful, stress-free environment, we do not allow any direct encounters with our apes.
At a true sanctuary like ours, accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the focus is entirely on providing a safe, nurturing space for the animals to live out their lives as naturally as possible, free from human interaction that could cause them stress or harm.
For more information on what it means to be a true sanctuary, please visit https://sanctuaryfederation.
We do not intentionally breed apes at the sanctuary. With a life expectancy of over 50 years in captivity, it would be irresponsible to intentionally breed great apes and add more individuals to a life of captivity when there are already so many in need of rescue.
None of the apes at the sanctuary are able to be released into the wild. They were all raised in captivity by humans and lack the basic survival skills that would have been taught to them by their chimpanzee or orangutan mothers in the wild. And unfortunately, the rainforests and wild habitats are rapidly disappearing due to the palm oil trade, logging, and mining. Therefore, we provide permanent lifetime care to all of the residents at the sanctuary.
Yes, Bubbles is a resident at the Center for Great Apes.
The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, receives no government funding, and relies solely on the generosity of its members, private donors, and grants from animal welfare foundations. Donations made to the sanctuary are tax deductible as provided by law.
You can help the sanctuary in many ways! It is expensive to care for over 70 orangutan and chimpanzee residents so monetary donations are always needed and appreciated. You could also support the sanctuary by volunteering, collecting wish list items, setting up and manning informational booths at local festivals or events. In addition, you could help by holding a fundraiser or spreading the word about the sanctuary and the important work we do.
For information about volunteering, visit our Volunteer page.