From Center for Great Apes (CGA)

In the topsy-turvy world that we live in today it’s no wonder our seasons are mixed up. In a normal year the old saying is “March in like a lion and out like a lamb” coordinating with spring. Did we even have a spring this year?

At the Center for Great Apes in Florida, we have been experiencing summer-like weather since March. Our weather has been unseasonably warm (actually HOT!) for the last couple of months. This past week we have experienced sweltering heat and humidity with the heat index up to 110 for days in a row! We like to call it the “Ape Days of Summer.” It’s hot for the human caregivers but even more so for the orangutans and chimpanzees at the sanctuary.

Even though the orangutans originate from the rain forests of Southeast Asia and the chimpanzees from the African forests, our sanctuary residents are accustomed to the North American climate, and they need to keep cool.

We help ease the heat for the apes just like we humans would do – fans moving the air, misters blowing cool water, sprinklers, tubs, and pools to splash and play. Even cool water and juice, frozen fruit, ice treats and an ape-favorite, fruitcicles.

2020 has been a difficult year so far due to the pandemic. There hasn’t been a lot to smile and cheer about. So it’s especially gratifying for our caregivers, volunteers, and staff to watch our orangutans and chimpanzees enjoying their summer-themed enrichment without a care in the world!

Watch the video to see how the apes keep cool during the “Ape Days of Summer” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kzyHebVHUg

Please consider a donation to our apes this summer. Your gift today will ensure our sanctuary can continue to provide our apes with refreshing kiddie pools, tubs, and hot-weather treats!

Visit our Amazon Wishlist

https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2J6ISYP9UINIX?pldnSite=1

Make an “Ape Days of Summer” donation

https://www.centerforgreatapes.org/donate/enrichment-sponsorships/monthly-enrichment-sponsorship