By Patti Ragan, Founding Director CGA

After nearly three months of following our COVID-19 protocols, we want to let you know that both our apes and our staff are staying healthy. While we miss our members, volunteers, and visitors, we believe that maintaining “physical and social distancing” by limiting the number of people here beyond the essential caregivers has played a major part in keeping our orangutans and chimpanzees safe.

The apes are definitely aware of the changes and sometimes seemed perplexed with the “new normal” in safely caring for them. But, on the other hand, we have all noticed that they are turning to each other more often for contact and social interaction than before when they wanted a human’s attention… which is a good thing!

The Center will open again for volunteers and member visits, but we just don’t know when yet.

We are following CDC recommended guidelines as well as our veterinarian’s directives. As new developments change almost daily, we continue to reevaluate our protocols.

Right now, we are getting the food and supplies we need each day and are so thankful for that! We hope that this will be the case for the duration of the pandemic and economic crisis. We truly appreciate our devoted and dedicated supporters who have continued to help us buy these supplies and maintain the sanctuary’s care of our 54 great apes….and we are especially grateful to those who participated during the May 5^th GivingTuesdayNow online fundraising event helping us meet a generous donor match!

Read more: https://www.centerforgreatapes.org