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Getting To Know Them Better

Linus arrived at the Center for Great Apes in 2006 along with the orangutan, Kiki, and chimpanzee, Mickey. All three apes were sold to a private owner when they were infants, but had grown too large to handle, so they were kept in separate cages in a garage for most of their lives. When Linus suddenly started to tear apart his tiny cage in order to try to escape, his owner asked the sanctuary to take all three great apes immediately.

Due to years of lack of exposure to sunlight in his dark garage cage, and limited space for movement and exercise, Linus could barely walk when her first arrived at the sanctuary. He trembled constantly and became winded from the slightest exertion. His hair was matted with pounds of feces and it took caregivers many months of effort to groom him through the mesh and cut out the mats. Through it all, Linus was patient and gentle.

When Linus stepped outside into the sunshine for the first time at the sanctuary, he turned his huge face up to the sky and stared. As he gained more space outdoors, he learned to lumber around his enclosure, make his way into the trailways, and eventually climb to the top of his dome habitat.

Linus is still very shy but likes to spend time with his companion Geri exploring the aerial trailways. He will peek at visitors through his long bangs and softly rumble when he’s happy to see a friend.

Back to Meet the Orangutan page

Birthday

10/10/1990

Interesting Facts

  • Linus is one of our largest orangutans at the sanctuary. His head and facial flanges (cheekpads) are nearly twice the size of our other adult male orangutans.
  • Linus is fascinated by textures, particularly fabrics, and he also gathers paper products such as cardboard boxes, paper bags, and wrapping paper for his daily collection. Every time he moves indoors or outside, he carefully gathers up all his blankets, boxes, and bags and carries them with him wherever he goes.

ADOPT AN APE

It costs over $25,000 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.

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.

Wishlist

Want to know what we need? We have a list of things we would like to have.

Center for Orangutan and Chimpanzee Conservation, Inc. dba Center for Great Apes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, FEID 65-0444725.

© 2020 Center for Great Apes. All Rights Reserved.

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