In this week leading up to Thanksgiving, we are giving Seven Days of Thanks. We have so many amazing primates (human and non-human) to celebrate! (Check out the first and second days of thanks if you missed them.)

Today we want to thank our many volunteers – the incredible, selfless individuals who give their time to improve the chimpanzees’ lives. Caring for seven chimpanzees is more than a full time job, and it’s a job that our small staff of six could never handle on our own. Our volunteers find windows of time in their busy lives to dedicate to the chimps. Many have full-time jobs themselves (or are full-time students). Many come from across the state – or even from other states – to help us out. We are consistently humbled by their commitment, generosity, and spirit. Every single aspect of the chimpanzees’ lives is made better by volunteers.

Volunteers help ensure that the chimps are supported financially by helping out at fundraising and community events.

They help us expand and improve the sanctuary.

They help us clean up after disaster.

They work to give the chimps a clean home…

…fresh blankets…

…interesting things to do…

…and interesting things to look at.

They accompany the chimpanzees on perimeter walks to defend their territory…

…and even befriend the local wildlife.

They make sure the chimps always have fresh, healthy food by planting gardens…

…and delivering produce donations.

They are some of the chimpanzees’ greatest supporters, friends, and advocates and we couldn’t be more grateful.